Physics 2012 JAMB Past Questions - Question 15: If a load of 1kg stretches a chord by 1.2cm,what is the force constant of the chord ?

Correct Answer

B

Explanation

The force constant of a chord, also known as the spring constant or stiffness constant, can be determined using Hooke's Law. Hooke's Law relates the force exerted by a spring (or chord) to the amount it is stretched or compressed. The formula for Hooke's Law is:

F = k * x

Where:
F is the force applied (in newtons, N)
k is the force constant (in newtons per meter, N/m)
x is the displacement (in meters, m)

In your case, you have a load of 1 kg (which corresponds to a force of approximately 9.81 N due to gravity) that stretches the chord by 1.2 cm, which is equivalent to 0.012 meters. You want to find the force constant (k).

First, convert the displacement to meters:

x = 0.012 meters

Now, we can use Hooke's Law to find the force constant:

F = 9.81 N (the force due to a 1 kg load)
x = 0.012 m

9.81 N = k * 0.012 m

Now, solve for k:

k = 9.81 N / 0.012 m
k ≈ 817.5 N/m

So, the force constant of the chord is approximately 817.5 N/m.