CIE A Level Physics
CIE A Level Physics Deformation of Solids Exam Questions
Free CIE A Level Physics exam questions for Deformation of Solids, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers compressive and tensile forces, Hooke's law, spring constant, stress, strain, the Young modulus and elastic and plastic behaviour.
Deformation of Solids exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About CIE A Level Physics Deformation of Solids
Deformation of solids is Topic 6 of the Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) syllabus. It looks at how materials stretch or compress under load, using force-extension and stress-strain graphs. You need Hooke's law, the Young modulus, the difference between elastic and plastic deformation, and how to find strain energy from the area under a graph. The topic links to Work, energy and power and is a common practical context. Examiners often ask you to describe an experiment to find the Young modulus of a metal wire and to calculate it from data.
What you need to know
- Hooke's law Extension is proportional to load up to the limit of proportionality: F = kx, where k is the spring constant in N m^-1.
- Stress and strain Stress = F/A (Pa) and strain = extension/original length (no units). The Young modulus E = stress/strain.
- Measuring the Young modulus Use a long thin wire, measure original length with a metre rule and diameter with a micrometer at several points, add loads and measure extension with a vernier scale or travelling microscope, then use the gradient of a stress-strain graph.
- Elastic and plastic Elastic deformation is fully recovered when the load is removed; plastic deformation is permanent. The elastic limit is the point beyond which deformation becomes plastic.
- Elastic potential energy Strain energy equals the area under the force-extension graph. Within the limit of proportionality, Ep = ½Fx = ½kx^2.
Common mistakes in Deformation of Solids
- Using the diameter instead of the radius in A = πr^2 when calculating stress.
- Forgetting to convert extension and diameter from mm to m.
- Treating the limit of proportionality and the elastic limit as the same point. They are close but different.
- Giving strain units. Strain is a ratio of two lengths and has no unit.
- Using ½Fx for energy stored beyond the limit of proportionality. Use the area under the actual curve.
Try three Deformation of Solids exam-style questions
1. A wire of length 2.00 m and diameter 0.40 mm extends by 3.2 mm when a load of 40 N is applied. Calculate the Young modulus of the wire. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
A = π(0.20 × 10^-3)^2 = 1.26 × 10^-7 m^2; stress = 40/1.26 × 10^-7 = 3.18 × 10^8 Pa; strain = 3.2 × 10^-3/2.00 = 1.6 × 10^-3; E = 3.18 × 10^8/1.6 × 10^-3 = 2.0 × 10^11 Pa.
2. A spring extends by 0.060 m under a force of 12 N and obeys Hooke's law. Calculate the spring constant and the elastic potential energy stored. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
k = F/x = 12/0.060 = 200 N m^-1; Ep = ½Fx = ½ × 12 × 0.060; Ep = 0.36 J.
3. Distinguish between elastic and plastic deformation. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Elastic deformation: material returns to its original shape when the load is removed; plastic deformation: material is permanently deformed and does not return to its original shape.
Deformation of Solids FAQs
What does Cambridge AS & A Level Physics deformation of solids cover?
It covers tensile and compressive forces, Hooke's law, stress, strain, the Young modulus, elastic and plastic deformation, and elastic potential energy.
Which papers is deformation of solids examined in?
It is an AS Level topic assessed in Paper 1 and Paper 2, and the Young modulus experiment is a common planning and practical context.
How do I reduce uncertainty when measuring the Young modulus?
Use a long, thin wire to give a large extension, measure the diameter at several places with a micrometer, and use a reference wire or vernier scale to measure small extensions precisely.
