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Physics Laboratory Report Investigation of A Spring Under Load

The document describes an experiment to investigate the extension of a spring under different loads. Weights between 50g and 250g were attached to a spring, and the extension was measured. The results showed that as the load increased, the extension of the spring also increased, following Hooke's law. A graph of force versus extension was plotted, and the slope provided a measurement of 30.219 N/m for the spring constant. Sources of error and ways to improve the experiment are also discussed.

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95 views3 pages

Physics Laboratory Report Investigation of A Spring Under Load

The document describes an experiment to investigate the extension of a spring under different loads. Weights between 50g and 250g were attached to a spring, and the extension was measured. The results showed that as the load increased, the extension of the spring also increased, following Hooke's law. A graph of force versus extension was plotted, and the slope provided a measurement of 30.219 N/m for the spring constant. Sources of error and ways to improve the experiment are also discussed.

Uploaded by

Alex
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Liew Jin Ming

Physics Laboratory Report

Investigation of a spring under load


Aim
To investigate the extension of a spring under different load

Apparatus
The apparatus required are a retort stand and clamp, ruler, slotted weights, spring and mass holder

Safety
-The retort stand must be secured to the bench to prevent it from falling over and hurting
someone or falling on their feet.
-Put on the slotted weight carefully to prevent it from falling and cause injury

Variables
Independent variable: Weight attached to the spring

Dependent variable: Extension of the spring

Control variable: Material of the spring, cross section area of spring


Method
The apparatus is set up as shown in the diagram. The length of spring is measured and recorded. A
mass of 50g is hooked on the spring. The length of the spring after extension is measured and
recorded. The experiment is repeated using mass 100g, 150g, 200g and 250g and each measurement
is repeated three times.

Results

Mass/g Weight/N Length of spring /mm Average Extension/m


Recording1 Recording2 Recording3 length/m
0 0 21 21 21 21.0=0.0210 0.0000
50 0.49 31 30 30 30.3=0.0303 0.0093
100 0.98 47 47.5 47 47.2=0.0472 0.0262
150 1.47 64 64 64 64.0=0.0640 0.0430
200 1.96 82 82 82 82.0=0.0820 0.0610
250 2.45 99 99 100 99.3=0.0993 0.0783

Graph

F against m
3

2.5
f(x) = 30.2194987389659 x + 0.128032195775536
2
Weight/N

1.5

0.5

0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09
Extension/m

Calculation
F=2.5−0.128=2.372 N
x=0.0783 m
F 2.372
k= = =30.219Nm-1
x 0.0783

Units
-Mass is g

-Weight is N
-Length is m

-Spring constant is Nm-1

Formula
F
k= = gradient of graph
x

Conclusion
When the stretching force increases, the extension of the spring also increases, hence the stretching
force is directly proportional to the extension of the spring. The spring constant is not accurate at
first as seen in the graph but the following are accurate as the values obey Hooke’s law.

Reliability
- The support may not be rigid.

-The measurement of the ruler may not be accurate.

-The slotted weights may not have correct weight.

Improvement
-Measure the mass of the slotted weight before hanging it on the spring.

-Make sure the eyes are perpendicular to the reading on the ruler

-Repeat the experiment to obtain a consistent reading

Hypothesis
When the stretching force increases, the extension of the spring also increases

Sources
- Cd1.edb.hkedcity.net. (2020). [online] Available at:
https://cd1.edb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/chemistry/s67chem/pdf/sDL_1_Heat_of_Combution.pdf
[Accessed 11 Feb. 2020].

- BBC Bitesize. (2020). Experiment: Find the spring constant - Hooke's law - CCEA - GCSE Physics
(Single Science) Revision - CCEA - BBC Bitesize. [online] Available at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zbyrmfr/revision/5 [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020].

Another method to find spring constant

-The Vertical Spring-Mass Oscillator

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