Physics 5054 · O Level · Elastic deformation

Elastic deformation — practice question

An athlete pulls a large spring to build up the strength in his arms. As shown in Fig. 3.1, he stretches the spring and then lets it go gently. He repeats this stretching and releasing action several times over a period of $60\,\text{s}$.
(a)[2]

State the type of energy stored in the stretched spring and the type of energy stored in the athlete’s muscles.

(b)[1]

Suggest what occurs if he stretches the spring beyond the limit of proportionality.

(c(i))[2]

During one stretch of the spring, its length changes from $70\,\text{cm}$ to $93\,\text{cm}$. The average force applied by the athlete is $400\,\text{N}$. Calculate the work done by the athlete in one stretch.

(c(ii))[2]

Describe how the athlete can use the value found in (i) to determine his average power over the $60\,\text{s}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: For the spring: elastic (strain) potential energy

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