Force on a Spring - Fridge Physics

Demo

In this tutorial you will learn how to calculate the force on a spring given its extension and spring constant.

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The equation for this calculation is written like this:

$F = { \text k \; \text x \; \text e}$

Chilled practice question

Copy out the question and attempt to calculate the answer before watching the solution. Write down the equation and show all of your working, remember to add the units to your answer, this routine will guarantee you maximum marks in an exam. Mark your solution and correct if needed.

A spring is stretched 0.25 m, it has a spring constant of 20 N/m, calculate the force on the spring.

Frozen practice question

Copy out the question and attempt to calculate the answer before watching the solution. Write down the equation and show all of your working, remember to add the units to your answer, this routine will guarantee you maximum marks in an exam. Mark your solution and correct if needed..

A force of 10 N is applied to a spring and it extends by 20 cm, calculate its spring constant.

Science in context

When a spring is stretched or compressed, its length will changes by an amount x from its original length,  force  F = ke. The force the spring exerts is its restoring force, it acts to restore the spring to its original length.