Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can state what makes a spring “ideal” and what the model ignores. (Guide: “The ideal spring”)
- I can explain the difference between the length of a spring and its change in length, and measure Δx from the relaxed length. (Guide: “The ideal spring”; Practice Q1, Q5)
- I can explain what the spring constant k measures and which of two springs is stiffer. (Guide: “Hooke’s law”; Practice Q3)
- I can explain what the minus sign in F_s = −kΔx tells me about direction. (Guide: “Hooke’s law”; FAQ)
Calculation
- I can calculate the size and direction of a spring force, converting centimetres to metres. (Guide: Worked example 3; Practice Q1)
- I can derive an expression for the stretch of a spring holding an object at rest, vertically or on a smooth slope. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q4)
- I can plot force against change in length, draw a best-fit line and find k from its slope. (Guide: Worked example 1 and Figure 2; Practice Q5)
- I can find the relaxed length and k from a graph of total length against force. (Practice Q5)
Reasoning
- I can explain why the spring force on a block points back toward the relaxed position whichever way the block is moving. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q2)
- I can use data to decide whether an object obeys Hooke’s law, giving a reason. (Practice Q6)
- I can design an experiment to measure k and say how to make the result reliable. (Guide: “Designing the experiment well”; Practice Q6)
- I can combine a spring force with static friction to decide whether an object stays at rest. (Practice Q7)
- I can check an expression with limiting cases, such as a slope angle of 0° or 90°. (Guide: Worked example 2)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 2.9, Circular Motion, or return to the course roadmap.