11.

Spring is widely used in suspension system of vehicles such as car and

motorcycle. This is because of the elasticity of the spring. Diagram 11.1 below

shows how a spring is used in suspension system of a motorcycle.

(a) What is meant by elasticity? [1 mark ]

(b) Explain how the forces between the molecules caused the elasticity when
the spring is compressed and stretched. [5 marks ]
(c) Table 11.1 shows the characteristics of four types of spring to be installed as
the motorcycle spring.

Spring Diameter of Elastic limit/N Spring Material

spring coil/cm constant/Nm-1
A 10 200 250 Steel
B 12 600 770 Copper
C 8 700 1020 Copper
D 6 1100 3300 Steel

Table 11.1

You are asked to choose a spring to be installed at the motorcycle .The

maximum mass of the rider and the pillion rider is 100 kg. Explain the
suitability of the characteristics and choose the most suitable spring.
Justify your choice.
 [10 marks ]
(d) Diagram 11.2 shows a graph force against stretch for spring P and spring Q.

(i) Which spring is harder. Explain? [2 marks]

(ii) Calculate the elastic potential energy stored by Spring P when it is stretched
to 8 cm . [2 marks]
skema

a The ability of the material to return to their original shape 1

and size when the force exerted on it is removed.

b - There are two types of force

- Attraction and repulsive force between the particles 1

of the solid.

- When the solid is stretched, the molecules 1

displaced away from each other

- Attractive forces are acting to oppose the stretching 1

- When the solid is compressed, the molecules 1

displaced closer to each other

- Repulsive forces are acting to oppose the 1

compression
c diameter : low 1
1
-enough space for the spring to be installed/High stiffness

Elastic limit : high 1

-can support motorcylist up to 100kg 1

1
Spring constant : high 1
-small compression of the spring

Material : steel 1
-It has high stiffness/cannot break easily 1

d (i) Spring Q 1
1
Spring constant is higher // the gradient is higher

(ii) Ep = 1⁄2 F x 1
= 1⁄2 (2)(0.08)
1
= 0.08 J