Physics (AS & A Level) · Oct / Nov 2022 · Paper 13 · Question 20

A spring has spring constant k. The spring obeys Hooke's law and experiences extension x when a force F is applied to it. The resulting elastic potential energy of the spring is E_P. The diagram shows two of these springs joined together in parallel and hanging from a fixed beam. What is the extension and total elastic potential energy of this arrangement when the same force F is applied?

1. Aextension ½x, total elastic potential energy ½E_P
2. Bextension ½x, total elastic potential energy ¼E_P
3. Cextension x, total elastic potential energy ½E_P
4. Dextension x, total elastic potential energy ¼E_P

As printed in the paper