Question

Two similar springs P and Q have spring constants K\(_P\) and K \(_Q\) , such that K\(_P\) > K \(_Q\) . They are stretched first by the same amount (case a), then by the same force (case b). The work done by the springs \(W_P\) and W\(_Q\) are related as, in case (a) and case (b) respectively

• A. $W_P > W_Q ; W_Q > W_P$
• B. $W_P < W_Q ; W_Q < W_P$
• C. $W_P = W_Q ; W_P > W_Q$
• D. $W_P = W_Q ; W_P = W_Q$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct answer is A:\(W_P>W_Q,W_Q>W_P\)
Here, \(K_P > K_Q\) 
Case (a): Elongation (x) in each spring is same. 
\(W_P=\frac{1}{2} K_P x^2,W_Q=\frac{1}{2}K_Qx^2\)
\(\therefore \, \, \, \, \, \, W_P > W_Q\) 
Case (b) : Force of elongation is same. 
So, \(x_1=\frac{F}{K_p}\) and \(x_2=\frac{F}{K_Q}\)
\(W_P=\frac{1}{2}K_P x_2^1=\frac{1}{2} \frac{F^2}{K_P}\)
\(W_Q=\frac{1}{2}K_Q x_2^2=\frac{1}{2} \frac{F^2}{K_Q}\)
\(\therefore \, \, \, \, \, \, W_P < W_Q\)