Neco Model Questions Vol1 2017 Physics Question 4

A student is to determine the spring constant (k) of a helical spring using a set of standard masses and a spring balance. The spring is hung vertically from a fixed support. The masses are added one at a time and the extension of the spring is read from a scale attached to the spring. The data obtained are shown below. | Mass (kg) | Extension (cm) | |-----------|----------------| | 0.10 | 2.5 | | 0.20 | 5.0 | | 0.30 | 7.5 | | 0.40 |10.0 | | 0.50 |12.5 | The student then hangs an unknown weight on the same spring and records an extension of 6.0 cm. Assume g = 9.8 m s⁻². The uncertainties are ±0.01 kg in each mass and ±0.1 cm in each extension reading.