Spring constant
What Spring constant means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Spring constant
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Reference: AQA
A measure of stiffness in newtons per metre (N/m), where a large value means a stiff spring needing a large force for a small extension.
The constant ratio F ÷ e in the linear region, where force and extension are directly proportional, with unit newtons per metre (N/m).
A measure of stiffness in newtons per metre, where a larger value means a stiffer spring and a smaller extension for the same force.
A quantity measured in newtons per metre (N/m) that appears in the equation for the energy stored in a stretched spring.
A value measured in N/m that equals the gradient of the straight section of the force-extension graph.
Given the symbol k, it is measured in N/m and appears in the equation W = 0.5 × k × e².
Topics that use Spring constant
- Changes in energy (AQA GCSE)
- Forces and elasticity (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Elastic potential energy
- Extension
- Hooke's law
- Balanced forces
- Bending
- Compression
- Converting units
- Deformation of stationary objects
Using Spring constant in the exam
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