Question

9(b) The following results were obtained from an experiment performed on a spiral spring (stretching force, F/N: 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0; extension, cm: 0.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0). (i) Plot a graph of stretching force on the vertical axis against extension on the horizontal axis. (ii) Determine the slope, s, of the graph. (iii) What does the slope represent?

Accepted Answer

(i) The plot of F(N) against extension(cm) is a straight line passing through the origin, showing that extension is directly proportional to the applied force (Hooke's law).
(ii) Slope, s = ΔF/Δe = (5−1)/(25−5) = 4/20 = 0.2 N/cm.
(iii) The slope represents the force constant (spring constant) of the spiral spring.

WAEC Physics 2025 Theory — Question 13

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