Elastic and plastic behaviour: past paper questions

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• Question 21May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows the variation of the elastic potential energy $E_{\text{p}}$ stored in a spring with the square of the extension of the spring. What is the spring constant of the spring?

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• Question 20Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A spring is fixed at one end. The length $L$ of the spring is increased by applying a tensile force $F$ to the other end. The graph shows the variation of $L$ with $F$.

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• Question 19Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which force–extension graph shows plastic deformation of a sample of material?

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• Question 22May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Identical springs are joined in four arrangements. Which arrangement has the same spring constant as a single spring?

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• Question 23Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a force–extension graph for a rubber band as the band is extended and then the stretching force is decreased to zero. What can be deduced from the graph?

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• Question 18Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Three identical springs, each with the same spring constant, are connected together in four different arrangements, as shown. Which arrangement has the largest combined spring constant?

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• Question 19May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  An initially unstretched spring is stretched within its limit of proportionality to a length of $80\text{ mm}$. The work done stretching the spring is $0.010\text{ J}$. The spring constant of the spring is $22.5{\text{ N m}}^{-1}$.

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• Question 19Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The force–extension graph for a wire is shown.

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• Question 20May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  What is meant by elastic deformation of a wire under tension?

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• Question 23Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows how the extension of a spring varies with the force used to stretch it. What is the elastic potential energy of the spring when the extension is $4.0\text{ cm}$?

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• Question 19Oct/Nov 2023, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Compressive forces are applied normally to the end faces of a cylinder of initial length $L$. The cylinder is compressed by the forces so that its length decreases to $0.6L$. After the compressive forces are removed, the cylinder’s length increases to $0.8L$.

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• Question 21May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows the variation of force with extension for a metal object deformed within its limit of proportionality. What does the shaded area represent?

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• Question 22Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows how the length of a spring varies with the force applied to it. Two areas P and Q are labelled. Which area represents the work done in stretching the spring?

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• Question 2Oct/Nov 2023, paper 21Structured16 marksHas a diagram

  A hot-air balloon floats just above the ground. The balloon is stationary and is held in place by a vertical rope, as shown in Fig. 2.1. The balloon has a weight $W$ of $3.39\times {10}^4\text{ N}$.

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• Question 20May/June 2026, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows the relationship between the applied force and the extension for a spring. $X$ is the work done by the force in extending the spring from $0$ to $10\text{ mm}$. $Y$ is the work done by the force in extending the spring from $10\text{ mm}$ to $20\text{ mm}$.

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• Question 21Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The force–extension graph of a metal wire is shown. At which point on the graph does the metal wire stop obeying Hooke’s law?

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A vertical rod is fixed to the horizontal surface of a table, as shown in Fig. 3.1. A spring of mass $7.5\text{ g}$ is able to slide along the full length of the rod.

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• Question 21May/June 2026, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Two springs X and Y are attached to a fixed surface. Blocks are attached to their free ends. The blocks hang vertically in equilibrium from the springs as shown.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  A spring is fixed at one end and attached to the frame of a pulley at the other end. A cable is passed around the wheel of the pulley. The spring is stretched to a fixed length using the cable and pulley.

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2023, paper 23Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 4.1 shows the variation with extension $x$ of the tensile force $F$ for two wires, G and H, made from the same material. The elastic limit has not been exceeded for G or H. For the lines in Fig. 4.1: state what is represented by the gradient

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2024, paper 21Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  Define the Young modulus of a material.

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• Question 2May/June 2026, paper 22Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  State the conditions required for an object to be in equilibrium.

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• Question 22May/June 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows the variation with force of the extension of a wire. The force is gradually increased to a maximum at Q and then gradually decreased to zero at R. Which statement is correct?

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured12 marksHas a diagram

  The variation of stress with strain for a metal P is shown in Fig. 3.1. Point E is the elastic limit of the metal. Use Fig. 3.1 to determine the Young modulus for P. Young modulus = ....................................................

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• Question 19May/June 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The force–extension graph for a spring is shown. What represents the work done to extend the spring?

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• Question 22May/June 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Two springs X and Y stretch elastically. The graphs show the variation with extension $x$ of the force $F$ applied to each spring.

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• Question 21May/June 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  When a force of $0.80\text{ N}$ is applied to a spring, the length of the spring is $90\text{ mm}$. When a force of $1.30\text{ N}$ is applied to the same spring, its length is $115\text{ mm}$. The spring obeys Hooke's law.

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• Question 18May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  What is meant by the spring constant of a spring?

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• Question 23May/June 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which phrase describes the strain at the elastic limit on a stress–strain graph?

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• Question 23May/June 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  For a wire, Hooke's law is obeyed for a tension $F$ and extension $x$. The Young modulus for the material of the wire is $E$. Which expression represents the elastic potential energy stored in the wire?

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