Principles of Physics I (PHY111)

Lab

Experiment no: 4
Name of the experiment: Determination of the spring constant and effective mass of a given

spiral spring

YOU HAVE TO BRING TWO GRAPH PAPERS (cm scale) TO DO THIS EXPERIMENT.

Theory

In this experiment a spring is suspended vertically from a clamp attached to a rigid frame work of heavy metal
rods. At the bottom end (which is the free end) of the spring a load of mass, m0 is suspended. So the force
acting on the spring is the weight m0 g of the load which acts vertically downward and the spring gets
extended. Due to the elastic property of the spring, it tries to regain its initial length, hence applies a counter
force on the load, which is called the restoring force of the spring. According to Hooke’s law, within the
elastic limit the magnitude of this restoring force is directly proportional to the extension of the spring and the
direction of this restoring force is always towards the equilibrium position. If k is the spring constant of the
spring and l is the extension of the spring, then restoring force = - k l

Figure 1: a) A vertically suspended spring, b) A load of mass m0 is attached at the bottom end of the spring and c) The
spring is oscillating, the load is y distance above the equilibrium position.

Let the spring is in equilibrium with mass m0 attached as in figure 1 (a), and so we can write
m0 g = kl

g
=> l = m0 (1)
k

Here k is the spring constant and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Equation (1) is an equation of a straight line. The slope of this line is given by-

g g
Slope = => k = (2)
k slope

We can plot l vs. m0 graph and determine its slope and hence, the value of k.

If the load is slightly pulled down and released, the spring will oscillate simple harmonically. Suppose, at time
t the velocity of the load is v and the spring is compressed by a distance y above the point C.

As you know from your earlier schools, if the mass of the spring were negligible then the period of oscillation
m0
would be given by T = 2π
k

Due to the mass, m of the spring an extra term m′ will be added with the mass of the load m0 in the above
mentioned equation. So, the period of oscillation is,

m0 + m ′
T = 2π (3)
k

m′ is called to be the effective mass of the spring. It can be shown that m′ is related with the mass of the
spring by the following equation:

m
m′ = (4)
3

Please see appendix A (provided in the soft copy of this script in the server) to learn how to derive equations
(4) and (3).

From equation (3) we get,

4π 2 4π 2
T2 = m0 + m′
k k

For different mass, m0 of the load we find different periods of oscillation, T. If we draw a graph by plotting m0
along X axis and corresponding T2 along Y axis, it will be a straight line. The point where the line intersects
the X axis, y-coordinate is 0, i.e., T2 =0. We can find the X coordinate of the point, (i.e. the value of m0 at that
point) by putting T2=0 in the above mentioned equation.
 4π 2 4π 2
0= m0 + m′
k k

=> m0 = −m′

That means x coordinate of the point is equal to the negative value of the effective mass.

So, if we draw a T2 vs. mo graph, it will be a straight line and its x-interception gives us the effective mass of
the spring.

Apparatus

A spiral spring, convenient masses with hanging arrangement, a hook attached to a rigid framework of heavy
metal rods, weighing balance, stop watch and a scale

Procedure

1. Suspend the spring by a hook attached to the rigid framework of heavy metals.

2. Measure the length y0 =AB (figure 1a) of the spring with a meter scale and write it down in section A of
data sheet.

3. Attach a load of mass m0=700 gm at the bottom end of the spring. So the spring gets stretched. Measure the
length AC by using meter scale. Find the extension, l=BC (=AB-AC) and record m0 and l in the Table 1 of
section B shown in the data-sheet.

4. Pull down the load slightly and release it to oscillate. By using the stopwatch measure how much time, t the
load takes to complete 20 oscillations and record it in the same table.

5. Repeat the steps 2, 3 and 4 for load of mass m0 = 600, 500, 400, 300, 200 gm.

6. Draw an l vs. m0 graphs which should be a straight line passing through the origin. Work out the slope of
the straight line. Find out the spring constant of the spring by using equation 2.

m
7. Measure the mass of the spring, m by using the weight meter. Find the effective mass, m′ = from this
3
value.

8. Draw a T2 vs. m0 graph which should be a straight line which should intersect the negative X-axis. X-
interception of the line is the effective mass, m′ of the spring.

9. Compare the value of m′ what you deduced in step 8 with the value of m′ what you deduced in step 7.
Read carefully and follow the following instructions:

• Please READ the theory carefully, TAKE printout of the ‘Questions on Theory’ and ANSWER
the questions in the specified space BEFORE you go to the lab class.

• To get full marks for the ‘Questions on Theory’ portion, you must answer ALL of these
questions CORRECTLY and with PROPER UNDERSTANDING, BEFORE you go to the lab
class. However, to ATTEND the lab class you are REQUIRED to answer AT LEAST the
questions with asterisk mark.

• Write down your NAME, ID, THEORY SECTION, GROUP, DATE, EXPERIMENT NO AND
NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT on the top of the first paper.

• If you face difficulties to understand the theory, please meet us BEFORE the lab class.
However, you must read the theory first.

• DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Plagiarism will bring ZERO marks in this WHOLE EXPERIMENT.
Be sure that you have understood the questions and the answers what you have written, and all
of these are your own works. You WILL BE asked questions on these tasks in the class. If you
plagiarize for more than once, WHOLE lab marks will be ZERO.

• After entering the class, please submit this portion before you start the experiment.
Name: _____________________ ID: ______________ Sec: ___ Group: __ Date: __________

Experiment no: ___

Name of the Experiment: _______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Questions on Theory

*1) Draw the arrangement of this experiment. [0.5]

Ans:

*2) States Hooke’s law for an elastic spring. [0.5]

Ans:

*3) Suppose, an external force is applied on a spring to stretch it. Extension of the spring is l. If the spring
constant is k then what is the restoring force of the spring due to its elasticity? [0.5]

Ans:
*4) If a load of m0 is connected with the bottom end of a vertically suspended spring, the extension of the
spring is l. The spring constant is k. At the equilibrium condition what is the relationship among m0, k, l and
g? [0.5]

Ans:

5) What is the effective mass of the spring? (See Appendix A/textbook/websites) [1]

Ans:

6) An l vs. m0 and a T2 vs. m0 graphs are shown below. Work out the spring constant and effective mass. [2]

[You may use additional page(s) to answer this question]

Ans:
 • Draw the data table(s) and write down the variables to be measured shown below (in the ‘Data’
section), using pencil and ruler BEFORE you go to the lab class.

• Write down your NAME and ID on the top of the page.

Data Data

A) Initial length of the spring, y0 = AB = ____________________ cm

B) Table 1: Data of m0, l and T

Mass of load m0 (gm) Extension of the Time required to complete Period of T2 (s2)
spring, l (cm) 20 oscillations, t (s) oscillation, T (s)

C) Mass of the spring by using weight-meter, m = _____________________ gm

D) Effective mass of the spring by using the value of its mass- measured by weight-meter, m′
=__________gm

Please attach two graphs here.

• READ the PROCEDURE carefully and perform the experiment by YOURSELVES. If you
need help to understand any specific point draw attention of the instructors.
• DO NOT PLAGIARIZE data from other group and/or DO NOT hand in your data to other
group. It will bring ZERO mark in this experiment. Repetition of such activities will bring zero
mark for the whole lab.
• Perform calculations by following the PROCEDURE . Show every step in the Calculations
section.
• Write down the final result(s).

Calculations

Result:
• TAKE printout of the ‘Questions for Discussions’ BEFORE you go to the lab class. Keep this
printout with you during the experiment. ANSWER the questions in the specified space AFTER
you have performed the experiment.
• Attach Data, Graphs, Calculations, Results and the Answers of ‘Questions for Discussions’
parts to your previously submitted Answers of ‘Questions on Theory’ part to make the whole
lab report.
• Finally, submit the lab report before you leave the lab.
Name: __________________________ ID: __________________

Questions for Discussions

i) Was the value of the effective mass what you found from the graph consistent with the value of effective
mass what you calculated by using the mass directly measured from the mass meter? [1]

Ans:

ii) Did you face any difficulty while measuring T for load of small mass, e.g., m0 = 100 gm. Please mention.
[0.5]

Ans:

iii) What will happen if you take load of a heavy mass? [0.5]

Ans:
 m0 + m ′
Appendix A (Derivation of formula T = 2π )
k

Figure 1: a) A vertically suspended spring, b) A load of mass m0 is attached at the bottom end of the spring and c) The
spring is oscillating, the load is y distance above the equilibrium position.

If the load is slightly pulled down and released, the spring will oscillate simple harmonically. Suppose, at time
t the velocity of the load is v and the spring is compressed by a distance y above the point C. Now,

Total energy of the spring-load system, E = kinetic energy of the load + gravitational potential energy of the
load + elastic potential energy of the spring + gravitational potential energy of the spring + kinetic energy of
the spring

Now,

1
Kinetic energy of the load = m0 v 2
2

Gravitational potential energy of the load about point B = − m0 g (l − y + a ) (Here, a is the separation
between the free end of the spring and the center of mass of the load)

k (l − y )
1 2
Elastic potential energy of the load about point B =
2

Now, from figure 1 c the length AD = y 0 + l − y (y0 is the initial length of the spring)

Centre of mass of the spring lies at the midpoint of AD. The distance of centre of mass from point B =
y0 + y − l
y0 − ( y0 + l − y) / 2 =
2
 ⎛ y0 + y − l ⎞
Gravitational potential energy of the spring about point B = mg ⎜ ⎟ , where m is the mass of the
⎝ 2 ⎠
spring.

Now, let’s find out an expression of the kinetic energy of the spring. At a certain time different portions of the
spring have different velocities. The top most point of the spring always remains stationary. The bottom most
point of the spring moves at same velocity as the load.

Say, at time t the length of the wire is AD = L. Linear

It is observed that the velocity, v ′ of a particular

v′ ∝ y

=> v ′ = cy , here c is an arbitrary constant (4)

When y = L then v ′ = v

So, from (4) c = v / L

Therefore, from (4):

v
v′ = y (5)
L

Now, let’s consider a tiny portion of the spring at Figure 2: Calculation of effective mass
distance y below the point A, having length dy.

At time t the velocity of this portion is v ′ . The mass of this tiny portion = dm = λdy

2
1⎛ v ⎞ v2 2 m mv 2 2
Therefore, the kinetic energy of this portion, dK = (v ′) dm = ⎜ y ⎟ λdy =
1
=
2
y dy y dy
2 2⎝ L ⎠ 2 L2 L 2 L3

L
mv 2 ⎡ y 3 ⎤ ⎛ L3 0 3 ⎞ 1 m 2
L
mv 2 mv 2
The total kinetic energy of the spring, K = ∫0 = = ⎜⎜ − ⎟⎟ =
2
y dy ⎢ ⎥ v
2 L3 2 L3 ⎣ 3 ⎦ 0 2 L3 ⎝ 3 3⎠ 2 3

m
Here, is called to be the effective mass, m′ of the spring.
3

1
∴ Kinetic energy of the spring = m ′v 2
2
Now, we can write the expression of the total energy, E of the spring and load system:

⎛ y + y −l⎞ 1
m0 v 2 − m0 g (l − y ) + k (l − y ) + mg ⎜ 0
1 1
E= ⎟ + m′v 2
2
(6)
2 2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ 2

dE
The total energy of the system remains conserved, i.e., it does not change with time. Therefore, =0
dt

By differentiating equation (6) with respect to time, t we find,

⎛ dy ⎞ 1 ⎛ dy ⎞ mg dy 1
m0 2v − m0 g ⎜ 0 − ⎟ + k 2(l − y )⎜ − ⎟ +
1 dv dv
+ m ′ 2v =0
2 dt ⎝ dt ⎠ 2 ⎝ dt ⎠ 2 dt 2 dt

+ m0 gv − k (l − y )v +
dv mg dv dy
=> m0 v v + m ′v = 0 [since, =v]
dt 2 dt dt

=> (m0 + m ′)
dv mg
+ m0 g − kl + ky + =0
dt 2

=> (m0 + m ′)
dv mg
+ ky + = 0 , since m0 g − kl = 0
dt 2

d2y dv d 2 y
=> (m0 + m ′)
mg
2
+ ky + = 0 , since =
dt 2 dt dt 2

d2y k mg
=> + y+ =0
dt 2
(m0 + m′) 2(m0 + m′)
d2y k ⎧ mg ⎫
+ ⎨y + =0
(m0 + m′) ⎩ 2k ⎬⎭
=> 2
(7)
dt

mg
Let, Y = y +
2K

So,

dY dy
= + 0
dt dt
d 2Y d2y
=> =
dt 2 dt 2

Equation (7) becomes,

d 2Y k
+ Y =0
dt 2
(m 0 + m ′ )

This is an equation of simple harmonic motion where the angular frequency ω is given by
 k 2π k
ω= => = , Here T is the period of oscillation
m0 + m ′ T m0 + m ′

m0 + m ′
=> T = 2π
k