Report Title: Spring constant

Name: Linton Ngobeni

Department of Physics and Astronomy,
University of the Western Cape
PHY222
For Dr Lucky Makhathini
Due Date: 23 August 2023
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Term Glossary

1. Hooke's Law: a spring's force is inversely proportional to how far it has moved

from its equilibrium position.

3-Equilibrium Position: This refers to the center of the object's oscillation. It is the

location at which there is no acceleration and no net force acting on the item.

4-Phase: At a specific time, the object's position within its oscillatory cycle is

described by its current phase. It's frequently expressed in radians or degrees.

5-Damping: Damping is the gradual decrease in oscillation amplitude brought on

by energy loss. It may be brought on by things like air resistance or friction. When

an oscillating system is subjected to an external force whose frequency matches

that of the oscillating system, resonance takes place. This causes oscillations with a

significant amplitude, which can be seen in a variety of systems, including

mechanical systems and musical instruments.

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Table of Contents

Glossary of Terms....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table of Contents....................................................................................................... 3
Abstract............................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction................................................................................................................... 5
Method.............................................................................................................................. 6
Results.............................................................................................................................. 7
Discussion....................................................................................................................... 9
Conclusion.................................................................................................................... 10
References................................................................................................................... 11
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Abstract

-The aim of this experiment was to analyze the behavior of a certain spring

under various loads in order to estimate its spring constant. The spring

constant was determined using Hooke's Law by measuring the spring's

displacement and the accompanying applied force. The accuracy of the

measurement was then evaluated by comparing the experimental spring

constant to the theoretical spring constant.

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Introduction

The spring constant, commonly abbreviated as "k," is an essential

characteristic of a spring that determines its stiffness and the degree of

deformation it experiences in response to an external force. F = -kx, where F

is the applied force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from

the equilibrium position, is how Hooke's Law expresses this relationship.

Spring is a component used for experiment in physics lessons both in

junior high school and senior high school. In learning at school, springs are

commonly used in experiment to calculate the value of the spring constant.

The spring includes an elastic material, which if stretched will return to its

original state, due to the presence of an elastic reaction force over the

stretching tension force. A spring with a greater spring constant is stiffer and

needs more power to create the same displacement, whereas a spring with a lower

spring constant is more flexible.

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Method

To perform this experiment. We will need to have the following

apparatus:

 Spring
 Retort stand
 Weights
 Ruler
 Vernier calipers
 Force gauge
 Stopwatch

Procedure:

1. We will set up the retort stand and attach the spring vertically.
2. Measure the initial length of the spring using vernier calipers.
3. Hang different weights on the spring and record the corresponding
displacement.
4. Measure the force applied using the force gauge for each weight added.
5. Then we repeat steps 3 and 4 multiple times to ensure accuracy.
6.Then finally, We can calculate the spring constant using Hooke's Law
formula: k = F / x.
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Results

3. Results: 3.1 Data:

Weight (N) Displacement (m)

102,8g 26,48cm

155,6g 26,60cm

206,3g 26,8cm

259,1 28,7cm

309,7 30,4cm

362,6 32,3cm

413,3 34,1cm

463,1 35,8cm
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Graph.

Since the natural string’s length was 60,1cm-33,7cm= 26,4cm

To find the string’s constant we have to find two points from the graph and solve its
gradient.
Calculation: Since m=Y2-y1/X2-x1
therefor m=(362,6cm-309,7)/(32,3-30,4)=27,84
since string constant is given by K=m=27,84cm/g which is 0,0002784m/kg

Since the ruler’s uncertainty is given to be +-1cm. Therefore

(0,1+-0,0002784m/kg)=k
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Discussion
The experiment is carried out by measuring the length of the original spring,

hanging the spring on the stative, and measuring the length of the spring

after hanging the masses to determine the length of the spring. Where we

obtain the increase in the length of the spring by using the following hooke’s

law. F=-k*x.
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Conclusion

Based on the findings of this experiment, it can be said that the method of

determining spring constants that uses the idea of Hooke's Law and

measures the increase in length of the spring when weighed has superior

accuracy. The % difference for the method shows this. Because of this,

spring 2's k value is lower than spring 1's. The spring must appropriately

oscillate in order to apply the simple harmonic motion approach. The

provided force is significantly influenced by the spring constant's size. It is

suggested that different types of springs be used in future studies.

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References

1-Jing, J. and Long, Z.W., 2005. Open string in the constant B-field background. Physical Review D,

72(12), p.126002.

2-Liu, J., Zhao, X. and Wu, K., 2023. Global nonlinear stability of longitudinal wave for the planar

motion of elastic string with linear Hooke's law. Studies in Applied Mathematics, 150(2), pp.321-338.

3-Ficken, F.A., 1957. A Derivation of the Equation for a Vibrating String. The American Mathematical

Monthly, 64(3), pp.155-157.

4-Blinov, A.P., 2008. The motion of a point mass along a string. Journal of applied mathematics and

mechanics, 72(1), pp.12-14.