Physics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2026 · Paper 14 · Question 19

A student tests two wires X and Y by hanging a series of masses on them and measuring the extensions of the wires. The student concludes that X has a smaller spring constant than Y. Which result supports this conclusion?

1. AX has a greater extension for the same mass when obeying Hooke's law than Y.
2. BX supports a greater maximum mass before breaking than Y.
3. CY has a greater extension at its elastic limit than X.
4. DY stops obeying Hooke's law for a smaller mass than X.

As printed in the paper