Physics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2020 · Paper 12 · Question 16

A spring is attached at one end to a fixed point. A mass is then hung from the other end of the spring. The spring has extension x when the system is in equilibrium. The variation of the tension in the spring with its extension is shown on the graph. Which statement is correct?

1. AArea SPR represents the energy stored in the spring which cannot be recovered.
2. BArea SPQR represents the energy stored in the spring which can be recovered.
3. CArea SPQ represents the loss of gravitational potential energy of the mass due to the extension of the spring.
4. DArea SQR represents the elastic potential energy stored in the spring.

As printed in the paper