Topic 15: Forces and matter – GCSE Edexcel Foundation Combined Science Physics revision notes

Elasticity, atmospheric pressure, liquid pressure and upthrust. 4 lessons in 1 subtopic.

A force-extension graph is a straight line through the origin while Hooke's Law applies, showing a linear relationship, and its gradient is the spring constant. The Elasticity Explained: Forces, Deformation and Springs notes cover this in full.

Find the extension, convert it to metres, then use k = F ÷ e. The Spring Constant and Calculations notes cover this in full.

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a stretched or compressed elastic object, like a spring, measured in joules (J). The Elastic Potential Energy notes cover this in full.

The elastic limit is the maximum force that can be applied to a spring before it becomes permanently deformed and will not return to its original length. The Spring Constant and Calculations notes cover this in full.

The spring constant formula comes from Hooke's law, F = ke, rearranged to k = F ÷ e, where F is force in newtons and e is extension in metres. The Spring Constant and Calculations notes cover this in full.

In elastic deformation the object returns to its original shape when the forces are removed, and energy is stored. The Elasticity Explained: Forces, Deformation and Springs notes cover this in full.

The gradient of the straight-line section of a force-extension graph equals the spring constant. The Spring Constant and Calculations notes cover this in full.

The energy stored in a stretched spring is found with Ee = ½ke². The Elastic Potential Energy notes cover this in full.