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A spring was suspended and equal weights were added to it, one at a time - Junior Cycle Science - Question f - 2017
Question f
A spring was suspended and equal weights were added to it, one at a time. The extension of the spring was noted each time. When the first weight was added, the exten... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A spring was suspended and equal weights were added to it, one at a time - Junior Cycle Science - Question f - 2017
Step 1
What is the total extension when the second weight is added?
Answer
When the first weight is added, the extension is 2 cm. Since equal weights are added, we can determine that adding a second equal weight will double the extension due to Hooke's Law, which states that the extension of a spring is proportional to the load applied. Therefore, when the second weight is added, the total extension will be:
Step 2
Explain your answer.
Answer
The reason for the total extension being 4 cm when the second weight is added is due to the principle that the extension of a spring is proportional to the weight added, as per Hooke's Law. Each equal weight added to the spring increases the extension by the same amount. Thus, with two equal weights, the total extension is simply the sum of the individual extensions for each weight.