spring
Definition
In physics, a spring is a mechanical device that stores energy when it is stretched or compressed. When the spring is released, it returns to its original shape and releases the stored energy.
The amount of energy stored in a spring is proportional to the amount of stretch or compression. This means that the more a spring is stretched or compressed, the more energy it stores.
The force that a spring exerts when it is stretched or compressed is called the spring force. The spring force is always directed towards the spring's original shape.
Springs are used in many different ways, such as in toys, appliances, and vehicles. They are also used in scientific experiments to measure force and energy.
How can the word be used?
The ball bounced springily off the ground.
Different forms of the word
Noun: spring (plural: springs).
Verb: to spring.
Adjective: springy.
Adverb: springily.
Etymology
The word "spring" comes from the Old English word "springan", which means "to leap" or "to jump". It was first used in English in the 8th century.
The word "to spring" means "to jump or leap".
The word "springy" means "having a tendency to spring back".
The word "springily" means "in a springy manner".
Question
What is a spring?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe Hooke's law and its relevance in understanding the behaviour of springs. Explain how the spring constant influences the deformation of a spring under an applied force.
Answer:
Hooke's law is a fundamental principle in physics that describes the relationship between the force applied to a spring and the resulting deformation. It states that within the elastic limit of a material, the deformation (stretch or compression) of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied to it. Mathematically, this can be expressed as F = kx, where F is the applied force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from the spring's equilibrium position.
The spring constant, denoted by 'k', is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It reflects how much force is required to produce a unit of deformation in the spring. A higher spring constant indicates a stiffer spring, meaning it requires more force to achieve the same amount of deformation compared to a spring with a lower constant.
When a force is applied to a spring, the spring deforms until an equilibrium point is reached, at which the restoring force of the spring equals the applied force. A higher spring constant leads to a steeper linear relationship between force and deformation, resulting in less deformation for a given force. Conversely, a lower spring constant yields a less steep relationship, allowing for greater deformation.
Understanding Hooke's law and the influence of the spring constant is essential in fields such as engineering, where springs are used in various applications, including suspension systems, mechanical devices, and precision instruments.