Question

A cylinder is fitted with a piston beneath which is a spring. When the pressure inside the cylinder increases, what happens to the spring?

a) Compresses
b) Extends
c) Remains unchanged
d) Oscillates

Answer 1

When the pressure inside the cylinder increases, the spring compresses.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the pressure inside the cylinder increases, the spring compresses.

As the pressure increases, the gas molecules inside the cylinder push against the piston, causing it to move. This movement compresses the spring that is beneath the piston.

For example, if you have a bicycle pump with a piston and a spring inside, when you push down on the handle of the pump, the pressure inside the pump increases, causing the spring to compress.