Elastic Strings and Springs Cheat Sheet Edexcel FM1

Previously, you will have come across many problems involving strings that were modelled as inextensible. That is, It is important to realise that problems based upon the content in this chapter should be approached in the same way
where the string does not stretch when it is pulled. We will now learn to solve problems involving a string that is no as those in Chapter 2. The only difference is that you may need to use Hooke’s law and the consideration of elastic
Hooke’s law and dynamic problems
longer inextensible, but elastic. This means that the string does extend when pulled and will return to its regular length potential energy.
You also need to be confident in applying to Hooke’s law to questions where a particle is in motion. The principle is the
once the pulling force is removed. Problems in this chapter may also involve springs, but the concept is exactly the
same as in earlier chapters; you will need to use 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 and/or resolve in a particular direction. The key difference here
same. You just need to remember that a compressed spring will produce a thrust (compression force). There are two 𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆 We will now go through two examples of exam-style questions that involve the consideration of energy.
main concepts that we will cover in this chapter: Hooke’s law and elastic potential energy. is that you may also need to use 𝑇𝑇 = . We will go through three examples showing the most common types of
𝑙𝑙
dynamics problems where you need to use Hooke’s law. Example 5: A particle 𝑃𝑃 of mass 0.5 kg is attached to one end of a light elastic string of natural length 1.5 m. The other
Hooke’s law end of the string is attached to a fixed point 𝑂𝑂 on a rough horizontal plane. The coefficient of friction between 𝑃𝑃 and
The tension in a stretched elastic string or spring is proportional to its extension. In fact, the tension depends on two Example 3: A particle of mass 2 kg is attached to one end 𝑃𝑃 of a light elastic spring. The other end 𝑄𝑄 of the spring is 3
the plane is . The particle is held at rest at a point 𝐵𝐵 on the plane, where 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 = 2 m. When 𝑃𝑃 is at 𝐵𝐵 the tension in the
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things: the natural length of the string/spring and the modulus of elasticity. attached to a fixed point 𝑂𝑂. The spring has natural length 1.5 m and modulus of elasticity 40 N. The particle is held at a
string is 25 N. The particle is then released from rest. The point 𝐷𝐷 is 1.5 m from 𝑂𝑂 and 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 is a straight line. Find the
point which is 1 m vertically above 𝑂𝑂 and released from rest. Find the initial acceleration of the particle, stating its
speed of 𝑃𝑃 at the instant when 𝑃𝑃 passes through 𝐷𝐷.
 The natural length of a string or spring, 𝑙𝑙, is the length of the string or spring when it is an unstretched state. magnitude and direction.
Its units are metres (m).
We start off with a diagram. Note that the spring is compressed
 The modulus of elasticity, 𝜆𝜆, is a measure of how “stretchy” the string or spring is. The greater the modulus since the particle is 1 m above 𝑂𝑂 and the natural length is greater
We start off with a diagram.
(1.5 m). As a result, there is a thrust in the spring which acts
of elasticity, the less stretchy the string or spring is. Its units are newtons (N).
upwards.

The following relationship, known as Hooke’s law, explicitly defines tension in terms of 𝜆𝜆, 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑙𝑙. 1
Use Hooke’s law to find 𝑇𝑇. Remember that 𝑥𝑥 here represents the 𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆 40(0.5) 40 Since friction acts on the particle, we should apply the work-energy 𝐾𝐾. 𝐸𝐸 = (0.5)(0)2
compression in the spring. 𝑇𝑇 = = = N 2
𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆
𝑙𝑙 1.5 3 principle. We first find the total energy at 𝐵𝐵. Note that we don’t need 𝜆𝜆𝑥𝑥 2 𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥
 𝑇𝑇 = 𝑇𝑇 − 2𝑔𝑔 = 2𝑎𝑎 to consider the 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 since 𝑃𝑃 moves horizontally. 𝐸𝐸. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸 = = × = 𝑇𝑇 ×
𝑙𝑙
𝜆𝜆𝑥𝑥 2 𝑥𝑥
2𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑙 2 2
Now use 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 taking the upwards direction to be positive. 40 Since we are told the tension but not 𝜆𝜆, we rewrite as 𝑇𝑇 × to find 0.5
− 2𝑔𝑔 = 2𝑎𝑎 2𝑙𝑙 2 = 25 × = 6.25 J
In reality, Hooke’s law only applies for values of 𝑥𝑥 up to a particular value (known as the elastic limit). For this chapter 3 the E.P.E. 2
however, you can assume Hooke’s law applies for the values given to you in the question. 40 ∴ total energy = 6.25 J at 𝐵𝐵.
Solve for 𝑎𝑎. − 2𝑔𝑔 1
𝑎𝑎 = 3 = −3.13 ms−2 𝐾𝐾. 𝐸𝐸. = (0.5)(𝑣𝑣)2 = 0.25𝑣𝑣 2
2 Find total energy at 𝐷𝐷. 2
Applying Hooke’s law to equilibrium problems
State the magnitude and direction. So, the initial acceleration is 3.13 ms−2 towards 𝑂𝑂. Note that at 𝐷𝐷 the string is unstretched so 𝐸𝐸. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸 = 0. 𝐸𝐸. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸 = 0
We will now cover two examples showing how we use Hooke’s law to solve different types of equilibrium problems. For
∴ total energy = 0.25𝑣𝑣 2 at 𝐷𝐷.
such questions, it is crucial you are able to firstly draw an accurate diagram). Pay attention to the description in the
Example 4: A particle of mass 1 kg is attached to one end of a light elastic spring of natural length 1.6 m and modulus of 3
question and make sure you understand why it leads to the diagram we draw. Now we find the work done by friction. 𝑊𝑊. 𝐷𝐷. = 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 = 𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 = � � 𝑅𝑅(0.5)
elasticity 21.5 N. The other end of the spring is attached to a fixed point 𝑂𝑂 on a rough plane which is inclined to the 4
5 1 𝑅𝑅 − 0.5𝑔𝑔 = 0
Example 1: The elastic springs 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 and 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 are joined together at 𝑄𝑄 to form one long spring. The spring 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 has natural horizontal at an angle 𝛼𝛼, where tan 𝛼𝛼 = . The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is . The particle Resolve perpendicular to the plane to find 𝑅𝑅.
12 2 ⇒ 𝑅𝑅 = 0.5𝑔𝑔
length 1.6 m and modulus of elasticity 20 N. The spring 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 has natural length 1.4 m and modulus of elasticity 28 N. The is held at rest on the plane at a point which is 1.2 m from 𝑂𝑂 down a line of greatest slope of the plane. The particle is
3
ends, 𝑃𝑃 and 𝑅𝑅, of the long spring are attached to two fixed points which are 4 m apart. Find the tension in the combined released from rest and moves down the slope. A) Find its initial acceleration. B) Without any further calculation, state Substitute 𝑅𝑅 into our expression for the work done by friction. 𝑊𝑊. 𝐷𝐷. = � � (0.5𝑔𝑔)(0.5) = 1.8375
4
spring. how your answer to part a would change if the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane was greater
Now apply the work-energy principle.
than .
1 ⇒ 6.25 − 0.25𝑣𝑣 2 = 1.8375
2 (𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝)
6.25−1.8375
We start off with a diagram. Note that the tension must be the Rearrange for 𝑣𝑣. 𝑣𝑣 = � = 4.20 ms −1 to 3 𝑠𝑠. 𝑓𝑓.
0.25
same in both strings since Q is at rest.
a) We start off with a detailed diagram.
𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆 20𝑥𝑥 Example 6: Figure 1 shows a light elastic string, of modulus of elasticity 𝜆𝜆 newtons and natural length 0.6 m. One end of
Looking at the tension in 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃: 𝑇𝑇 = = = 12.5𝑥𝑥
𝑙𝑙 1.6 the string is attached to a fixed point A on a rough plane which is inclined at 30° to the horizontal. The other end of the
𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆 28(1 − 𝑥𝑥) Use Hooke’s law to find 𝑇𝑇. Remember that 𝑥𝑥 here represents the 𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆 21.5(0.4) string is attached to a particle P of mass 0.5 kg. The string lies along a line of greatest slope of the plane. The particle is
Looking at the tension in 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄: 𝑇𝑇 = = = 20(1 − 𝑥𝑥)
𝑙𝑙 1.4 compression in the spring. 𝑇𝑇 = = = 5.375 N held at rest on the plane at the point 𝐵𝐵, where 𝐵𝐵 is lower than 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 1.2 m. The particle then receives an
𝑙𝑙 1.6
Equating these expressions for 𝑇𝑇: 12.5𝑥𝑥 = 20(1 − 𝑥𝑥) impulse of magnitude 1.5 Ns in the direction parallel to the string, causing 𝑃𝑃 to move up the plane towards 𝐴𝐴. The
Now use 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 down the slope. 𝑔𝑔 sin 𝛼𝛼 + 𝑇𝑇 − 𝐹𝐹 = 1𝑎𝑎
12.5𝑥𝑥 = 20 − 20𝑥𝑥 5 5 coefficient of friction between P and the plane is 0.7. Given that 𝑃𝑃 comes to rest at the instant when the string becomes
⇒ 32.5𝑥𝑥 = 20 Note that since tan 𝛼𝛼 = , this means thatsin 𝛼𝛼 = . You can construct slack, find the value of 𝜆𝜆.
Solving for 𝑥𝑥: 12 13 5
20 8 a right-angle triangle to find this. Also, 𝐹𝐹 = 𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 applies here since the 𝑔𝑔 � � + 5.375 − 𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 = 𝑎𝑎
⇒ 𝑥𝑥 = = 13 Figure 1
32.5 13 particle is in motion so friction is limiting.
8
To find the tension, we can substitute into 𝑥𝑥 = into either of 8 𝑅𝑅 − 𝑔𝑔 cos 𝛼𝛼 = 0
13 ∴ 𝑇𝑇 = 12.5 � � = 7.69 N
our expressions. 13 To find 𝑅𝑅, resolve perpendicular to the slope. 12
∴ 𝑅𝑅 = 𝑔𝑔 cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑔𝑔 �
�
13
5 1 12𝑔𝑔
Example 2: An elastic string of natural length 2𝑙𝑙 and modulus of elasticity 4𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 is stretched between two points 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵. 12𝑔𝑔 1 𝑔𝑔 � � + 5.375 − � � � � = 𝑎𝑎
Substitute 𝑅𝑅 = and 𝜇𝜇 = into the equation of motion. 13 2 13
The points 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵 are on the same horizontal level and 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 2𝑙𝑙. A particle 𝑃𝑃 is attached to the midpoint of the string 13 2
⇒ 𝑎𝑎 = 4.62 ms −2
and hangs in equilibrium with both parts of the string making an angle of 30° with the line 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴. Find, in terms of 𝑚𝑚, the 1
mass of the particle. If the coefficient of friction is greater than , then
2
b) Use the working from part a to put together a coherent explanation. 𝐹𝐹 would be greater. Since 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = We start by annotating the diagram.
𝑔𝑔 sin 𝛼𝛼 + 𝑇𝑇 − 𝐹𝐹, this means that our acceleration
would be smaller in magnitude.

We start off as usual with a detailed diagram. 𝐼𝐼 = 𝑚𝑚(𝑣𝑣 − 𝑢𝑢) = 0.5(𝑣𝑣 − 𝑢𝑢) = 0.5(𝑢𝑢) = 1.5
The initial impulse is 1.5𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 so we use this to find the initial speed.
∴ 𝑢𝑢 = 3 ms −1 = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠.
Elastic energy 1 9
In Chapter 2 of FM1, you learnt that a particle that is not attached to an elastic string/spring possesses two different 𝐾𝐾. 𝐸𝐸. = (0.5)(32 ) =
2 4
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑙𝑙 types of energy: kinetic and potential. But what if a particle is attached to an elastic string/spring, like in the previous 𝐺𝐺. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸 = 0
First, let’s find the extension for one half of the string and use this cos 30 = = Find total energy at 𝐵𝐵. 2
ℎ𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 ℎ examples? In such cases the particle also possesses another type of energy, known as elastic potential energy. We take 𝐵𝐵 to be the zero level for the 𝐺𝐺. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸. 𝜆𝜆𝑥𝑥 𝜆𝜆(0.6)2
with Hooke’s law. Use trigonometry with the triangle ACP 𝐸𝐸. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸 = = = 0.3𝜆𝜆
(h represents the length AP). 𝑙𝑙 2𝑙𝑙√3 2𝑙𝑙 2(0.6)
∴ℎ= = 𝜆𝜆𝑥𝑥 2
9
∴ total energy = + 0.3𝜆𝜆 at 𝐵𝐵.
cos 30 3  The elastic potential energy (𝐸𝐸. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸) stored in a stretched string/spring is equal to . This is equal to the 4
We treat each half of the string separately. Therefore, the 2𝑙𝑙
𝐾𝐾. 𝐸𝐸. = 𝐸𝐸. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸 = 0
extension in one half of the string is ℎ − 𝑙𝑙. The natural length of the 2𝑙𝑙√3 −3 + 2√3 amount of work done in stretching the string. Find the total energy at point of instantaneous rest.
𝐺𝐺. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚ℎ = (0.5)(𝑔𝑔)(0.6 sin 30) = 1.47
complete string is 2𝑙𝑙 so the natural length of half the string will be 𝑥𝑥 = − 𝑙𝑙 = 𝑙𝑙 = 0.155𝑙𝑙 𝐸𝐸. 𝑃𝑃. 𝐸𝐸 = 0 since string becomes slack at this point (𝑥𝑥 = 0).
3 3 ∴ total energy = 1.47 J at point of rest.
𝑙𝑙. You can also be expected to apply the conservation of energy and work-energy principles to questions involving Find the work done on 𝑃𝑃 by friction. 𝑊𝑊. 𝐷𝐷. = 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 = 𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 = (0.7)(𝑅𝑅)(0.6) = 0.42𝑅𝑅
𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆 4𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚(0.155𝑙𝑙) stretched strings or springs. 𝑅𝑅 − 0.5𝑔𝑔 sin 30 = 0
Use Hooke’s law. Resolve perpendicular to the plane to find 𝑅𝑅.
𝑇𝑇 = = = 0.62𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 ∴ 𝑅𝑅 = 0.5𝑔𝑔 sin 30 = 2.45
𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑙
 When no external forces other than gravity act upon a particle, the sum of its kinetic energy, gravitational Substitute back into our expression for the work done by friction. 𝑊𝑊. 𝐷𝐷. = 0.42(2.45) = 1.029 J
Resolve vertically. 𝑇𝑇 sin 30 + 𝑇𝑇 sin 30 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
potential energy and elastic potential energy remains constant. Now apply the work-energy principle.
𝑇𝑇 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 9
(𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝) ⇒ � + 0.3𝜆𝜆� − (1.47) = 1.029
Use 𝑇𝑇 = 0.62𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 and make 𝑀𝑀 the subject. 0.62𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 4
 The change in total energy of a particle is equal to the work done on the particle.
∴ 𝑀𝑀 = 0.62 m (2 s.f.) 0.3𝜆𝜆 = 1.002..
Solve for 𝜆𝜆.
⇒ 𝜆𝜆 = 3.34

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