# Describe what happens to a spring when it is loaded with increasing force, from the point where it obeys Hooke's Law up to the point where it undergoes plastic deformation.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.5.3 Forces and elasticity · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The extension is directly proportional to the force applied (Hooke's Law is obeyed)
2. This continues up to the limit of proportionality, beyond which extension is no longer proportional to force
3. If the force is removed before the elastic limit is reached, the spring returns to its original shape/length (elastic deformation)
4. Beyond the elastic limit, the spring undergoes plastic deformation and will not return to its original shape/length when the force is removed

## Key terms

- [Hooke's Law](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/hooke-s-law)
- [plastic deformation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/plastic-deformation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](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)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-what-happens-to-a-spring-e1b2e247) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.