Two springs P and Q have constants KₚKq. Compare energies/work required when (a) stretched by the same extension and (b) stretched by the same force.

Question

Two springs P and Q have constants Kₚ>Kq. Compare energies/work required when (a) stretched by the same extension and (b) stretched by the same force.

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Principle: Elastic spring potential energy is Uₛ = ½kx². Step 2 — Working: For same x, stored energy W=½kx², so higher k means Wₚ>Wq. Step 3 — Working: For same force F, W=F²/(2k), thus higher k stores less and Wq>Wₚ. Correct answer: C — (a) Wₚ>Wq; (b) Wq>Wₚ.

Two springs P and Q have constants Kₚ&gt;Kq. Compare energies/work required when (a) stretched by the same extension and (b) stretched by the same force.

Two springs P and Q have constants Kₚ>Kq. Compare energies/work required when (a) stretched by the same extension and (b) stretched by the same force.