Practise 40 exam-style questions on Forces and elasticity for AQA GCSE Physics. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.
40 questions
1–6 marks each
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20 questions, marked as you go
Sample questions with model answers
Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.
Question 1
2 marks
A student bends a metal paperclip. When she lets go, the paperclip stays bent.
Name this type of deformation and explain how you can tell.
Model answer
Inelastic deformation. The paperclip does not return to its original shape when the bending force is removed - it has been permanently deformed.
Explanation
Inelastic deformation happens when an object is deformed beyond its elastic limit. A small bend in a paperclip springs back (elastic), but a large bend stays (inelastic).
Mark scheme
1 mark
inelastic (deformation)
allow plastic deformation
1 mark
the paperclip does not return to its original shape when the force is removed
allow it is permanently deformed
Question 2
2 marks
A simple bathroom scale contains a spring that is compressed when a person stands on the scale. The movement of the dial depends on the compression of the spring.
Explain why the reading on the scale is proportional to the weight of the person, provided the limit of proportionality is not exceeded.
Model answer
Up to the limit of proportionality, the compression of a spring is directly proportional to the force on it (F = k e). The force compressing the spring is the person's weight, so the compression - and therefore the movement of the dial - is directly proportional to the weight.
Explanation
F = k e works for compression as well as extension. Because compression is proportional to force, the scale can be calibrated with an evenly spaced (linear) scale. If the spring were compressed beyond its limit of proportionality, the readings would no longer be accurate.
Mark scheme
1 mark
the compression of the spring is directly proportional to the force on it / F = k e
1 mark
the force compressing the spring is the person's weight, so the compression (and dial movement) is proportional to weight
Question 3
3 marks
A student investigates how the extension of a spring depends on the force applied to it. She hangs slotted masses on the spring and measures the extension each time.
Identify the independent variable, the dependent variable and one control variable in her investigation.
Model answer
Independent variable: the force applied (the weight of the masses). Dependent variable: the extension of the spring. Control variable: using the same spring throughout.
Explanation
The independent variable is the one the student changes on purpose, the dependent variable is the one she measures, and control variables are kept the same so the test is fair. Using the same spring matters because different springs have different spring constants.
Mark scheme
1 mark
independent: the force (weight of the masses / mass added)
1 mark
dependent: the extension (of the spring)
do not accept length
1 mark
control: the same spring / same type of spring / same temperature / same metre rule
allow any sensible control variable
Question 4
4 marks
Spring P has a spring constant of 200 N/m. Spring Q has a spring constant of 50 N/m. A force of 10 N is applied to each spring. Neither spring exceeds its limit of proportionality.
Calculate the extension of each spring. Explain which spring is stiffer.
Model answer
Spring P: e = F ÷ k = 10 N ÷ 200 N/m = 0.050 m (5.0 cm) Spring Q: e = F ÷ k = 10 N ÷ 50 N/m = 0.20 m (20 cm) Spring P is stiffer: it has a larger spring constant, so it stretches less for the same force.
Explanation
The spring constant tells you how many newtons are needed for each metre of extension. Spring P needs 200 N per metre and Q only 50 N per metre, so P stretches a quarter as much under the same force.
Mark scheme
1 mark
10 = 200 × e / e = 10 ÷ 200
1 mark
extension of P = 0.050 m
allow 5.0 cm
1 mark
extension of Q = 10 ÷ 50 = 0.20 m
allow 20 cm
1 mark
P is stiffer because it has a larger spring constant / stretches less for the same force
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