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Hooke's law — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 131 practice questions · 5 syllabus objectives

43 easy45 medium43 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

State and verify experimentally Hooke’s law

Determine the spring constant and construct a spring balance

Solve numerical problems involving Hooke’s law

Distinguish elastic and plastic deformation; define elasticity and elastic limit

Calculate effective spring constant for springs in series and parallel; calculate elastic PE stored

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

A student conducts an experiment using two identical springs, each with a spring constant of 150 N/m. They arrange one spring in series with another identical spring and apply a force of 300 N. Calculate the effective spring constant of the two springs in this arrangement. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 3 marks
Effective spring constant, k_eff = k/2 for two identical springs in series (1 mk)
k_eff = 150 N/m / 2 = 75 N/m (1 mk)
Correct identification of the formula used for effective spring constant in series (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

Define elasticity and explain the concept of the elastic limit. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 1 mark
Elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape and size after the removal of the deforming force. (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
The elastic limit is the maximum amount of stress that a material can withstand without undergoing permanent deformation. (1 mk)
Beyond this limit, the material will not return to its original shape even when the force is removed. (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

A spring stretches by 5 cm when a force of 10 N is applied. Calculate the spring constant and state its SI unit. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
Spring constant k = F/e = 10 / 0.05 = 200 N/m. (2 mks)
Part (b) — 1 mark
The SI unit of spring constant is newton per metre (N/m). (1 mk)
4

State Hooke's law and give an example of its application in everyday life. (3 marks)

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