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Year 10 - Science

Stretching a spring practical

Energy of moving objects

Unit Summary

This unit covers energy changes in systems through heating, forces, and electrical work. It includes energy storage, efficiency, and transfer methods like insulation. Emphasis is on calculating energy, conducting experiments, interpreting data, and communicating findings accurately.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to measure the extension of a spring and describe its properties as it increases in length.

Key Notes

  • Stretching or compressing an object requires more than one force.
  • Below the limit of proportionality, a stretched spring is not stretched permanently out of shape.
  • Above the limit of proportionality, a stretched spring is stretched permanently out of shape.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • extension: The increase from the original length of a spring when it is stretched.
  • elastic deformation: The stretch of a spring that returns to its original shape when the stretching force is removed.
  • inelastic deformation: The stretch of a spring as it is permanently stretched out of shape.
  • limit of proportionality: The largest extension of a spring before it is stretched out of shape.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Extension is the extra amount the spring has stretched when a bigger force is applied.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Stretching or compressing an object requires more than one force. Below the limit of proportionality, a stretched spring is not stretched permanently out of shape.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'extension'

The increase from the original length of a spring when it is stretched. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Extension is the extra amount the spring has stretched when a bigger force is applied. Correction: Ensure pupils fully remove each hanging mass between measurements so they see the extension of the spring from its original length each time.

More Lessons In This Unit

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