Free Printable WorksheetScienceGrade 12Science Curriculum12.38

12.38 Tension, Springs, and Restoring Forces Worksheet

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Worksheet Overview & Skills Covered

Core academic competencies and curriculum alignment

This Physics Science worksheet provides structured practice on 12.38 Tension, Springs, and Restoring Forces. Students are guided through targeted exercises that build foundational understanding, computational accuracy, and critical thinking skills.

Tension, Springs, and Restoring Forces: Choose the tension or spring-force model that matches a system involving ropes, pulleys, or elastic materials. Aligned to NGSS, CCSS Literacy and Mathematics, AP Physics, and selected state frameworks 12.38 - Tension, Springs, and Restoring Forces: NGSS HS-PS2-1, HS-PS2-3, HS-PS2-4; CCSS HSN-Q.A, HSA-CED.A, HSG-MG; AP Physics 1 Unit 2; AP Physics C: Mechanics dynamics enrichment; TX TEKS Physics §112.45(c) forces; FL SC.912.P.12.3, SC.912.P.12.4; VA PH.3; MA/CA/NY HS-PS2.

Whether you are an educator preparing classroom handouts, a tutor reinforcing weekly topics, or a parent supporting homeschool learning, this printable resource gives students the deliberate practice required to achieve subject fluency and master state standards.

Grade

Physics

Subject

Science

Domain

Science Curriculum

Formats

PDF & DOCX

Sample Practice Problems

Preview the types of problems and questions covered in this worksheet

Below are sample questions representative of the exercises included on this worksheet and related 12.38 Tension, Springs, and Restoring Forces skill assessments:

Problem 1Difficulty: Mastery

A block is at rest relative to a cart that accelerates horizontally to the right. The block is attached to a horizontal spring fixed to the cart. In the ground frame, which model can describe the spring force on the block?

AThe spring force must be zero because the block is at rest relative to the cart.

BThe spring force must point left because springs always oppose velocity.

CThe spring force must equal mg because the block is supported vertically.

DThe spring force can point right and satisfy kx = ma, providing the block's horizontal acceleration.

Solution & Explanation:Rest relative to an accelerating cart still means acceleration in the ground frame. The spring can supply the horizontal net force ma needed for that acceleration.

Problem 2Difficulty: Mastery

Near the lowest point of a bungee jump, the cord is stretched and the jumper is momentarily moving slowly while accelerating upward. Which model is correct?

AThe cord tension is upward but equal to weight, so the jumper has zero acceleration.

BThe cord tension is downward because the jumper is below the anchor.

CThe cord tension is upward and larger than weight, producing a net upward force.

DThe cord tension is zero because the jumper's speed is small.

Solution & Explanation:If the jumper accelerates upward, the upward elastic tension must exceed the downward weight at that moment.

Problem 3Difficulty: Mastery

A massless string connects two objects over a frictionless pulley. The objects accelerate. Which tension statement avoids a common mistake?

AThe tension must equal the heavier object's weight because that object drives the motion.

BThe tension is the same throughout the string, but it does not have to equal either object's weight because the objects accelerate.

CThe tension must equal the lighter object's weight because that object is lifted.

DThe tension is different on the two sides because any acceleration changes ideal-rope tension.

Solution & Explanation:Ideal-rope tension is uniform, but Newton's second law allows T to differ from mg whenever an object has nonzero acceleration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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QWhat grade level and standards does this worksheet align with?

This worksheet is designed specifically for Physics Science students. It aligns with educational standard 12.38 (NGSS HS-PS2-1, HS-PS2-3, HS-PS2-4; CCSS HSN-Q.A, HSA-CED.A, HSG-MG; AP Physics 1 Unit 2; AP Physics C: Mechanics dynamics enrichment; TX TEKS Physics §112.45(c) forces; FL SC.912.P.12.3, SC.912.P.12.4; VA PH.3; MA/CA/NY HS-PS2.).