Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus: JAMB Physics Questions, Answers & Notes

What Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus covers in the JAMB Physics syllabus

Elasticity is a material's ability to return to its original shape after a deforming force is removed. Hooke's law: within the elastic limit, extension is proportional to force, F = ke, where k is the spring/force constant (N/m). Beyond the elastic limit the material deforms permanently and the F–e graph stops being straight. Stress = force/area (Pa), strain = extension/original length (no units), and Young's modulus = stress/strain. The elastic energy stored equals the area under the force–extension graph, ½Fe. Two identical springs give 2k in parallel (stiffer) and k/2 in series (less stiff).

For Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• State and apply Hooke's law and the spring constant
• Define stress, strain and Young's modulus
• Calculate elastic energy and handle springs in series and parallel

Key facts & revision notes: Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus

These are the recurring points our Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• Within the elastic limit, extension is directly proportional to the applied force (F = ke).
• k is the force constant (spring constant) of the spring, in N/m.
• Beyond the elastic limit, a material is permanently deformed and does not fully return.
• k = F/e = 10/0.05 = 200 N/m.
• Stress = force ÷ cross-sectional area, with unit N/m² (pascal).
• Strain = extension ÷ original length; it is a ratio and has no units.
• Young's modulus = tensile stress ÷ tensile strain, within the elastic limit.
• F = ke = 100 × 0.2 = 20 N.
• Elastic potential energy = ½ × force × extension = ½Fe (the area under the F–e graph).
• Springs in series are less stiff; the combined constant is k/2 for two identical springs.
• An elastic material regains its original shape when the force is removed (within its elastic limit).
• Stress = force/area, so its unit is N/m², the pascal (Pa).
• Young's modulus shares this unit.
• Strain = extension/length = 0.004/2 = 0.002.
• Up to the elastic limit the F–e graph is a straight line; beyond it, it curves (Hooke's law fails).
• Springs in parallel share the load and are stiffer; combined constant = 2k for two identical springs.
• Extension ∝ force, so tripling the force triples the extension: 3 × 2 = 6 cm.
• Elasticity is the ability of a material to regain its original shape after deformation.
• The work done (elastic PE) equals the area under the force–extension graph, which is ½Fe.
• Energy = ½Fe → 0.4 = ½ × 8 × e → 0.4 = 4e → e = 0.1 m.
• copper) can be drawn into wires without breaking.
• k = 8/4 = 2 N/cm, so e = 12/2 = 6 cm.
• k = F/e = 20/0.1 = 200 N/m.
• F = ke = 50 × 0.4 = 20 N.

Worked examples

Three Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus is tested in JAMB Physics

Our Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus bank holds 40 questions (7 easy, 20 medium, 13 hard). JAMB Physics typically returns to Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Physics item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus

The errors that cost marks on Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus part of the JAMB Physics syllabus?

Yes. Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus is a recognised topic in the JAMB Physics syllabus, covering state and apply Hooke's law and the spring constant. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus?

Elasticity is a material's ability to return to its original shape after a deforming force is removed. Hooke's law: within the elastic limit, extension is proportional to force, F = ke, where k is the spring/force constant (N/m). Beyond the elastic limit the material deforms permanently and the F–e …

How do I answer Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus. Practising timed Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Physics Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Elasticity: Hooke's Law and Young's Modulus practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Physics syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.