# A technician tests two different springs, Spring A and Spring B, by applying the same increasing force to each one. Spring A has a higher spring constant than Spring B. Describe what is meant by the term 'spring constant' and explain how the behaviour of Spring A will differ from that of Spring B when the same force is applied to each spring.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 15.1 Forces and matter (Phys only) · Describe · 4 marks

> Spring A has a spring constant of 80 N/m. Spring B has a spring constant of 20 N/m.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The spring constant is a measure of a spring's stiffness / the force required to extend a spring per metre of extension.
2. Spring A (higher spring constant) will extend less than Spring B for the same applied force.
3. Both springs obey Hooke's Law while the force is below the limit of proportionality, meaning extension is directly proportional to the applied force.
4. Beyond the elastic limit, the spring will undergo plastic distortion and will not return to its original shape when the force is removed.

## Key terms

- [spring constant](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/spring-constant)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-technician-tests-two-different-springs-7d1b0141) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.