CHAPTER

13

Simple Harmonic Motion

13.01.. SPRING CONSTANT

Consider that a spring is suspended from a rigid
10.01 (a). Suppòse thàt on applying a force Fat its lowersupport
as shown in Fig
end, its length increases
by las shown in Fig. 13.01 (6). Due to elasticity, the spring has the tendency to
regain its original length. Therefore, if the applied force is removed, the spring
will regain its original length, provided it was stretched within the elastic limit.
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Itfollows that whena force is applied on the spring so as to
arestoring force is set up within the material of the spring. produce extension,
The restoring force RESTORING
acts in a direction opposite to the applied force. Further, within the elastic FORCE=F
limits,the restoring force is always equal to the applied force (in magnitude)
and is directly proportional to the extension produced.
Therefore, if Fis the restoring force set up in the spring andlis the
extension produced, then Fig. 13.01(a)
F«l
APPLIED FORCE=F
or F=-kl, ...(13.01)
where kis constant of proportionalityand is called the spring constant or spring Fig. 13.01(b)
factor. It is also known as the force constantof the spring. Its value depends
upon the nature of the material and length of the spring.
Suppose that I= 1. Then, equation (13.01) gives
k=F (in magnitude)
Therefore, the spring constant of aspring may be defined as the restoring force set up per unit extension in the spring.
The unit of spring constant in cgs. system is dyne cm and in SI, the unit is newton metre- (N m-).
EXPERIMENT NO. 13
Aim. To find the force (or spring) constant of a helicalspring from the load-extension graph.
Apparatus
Ahelical spring, a half metre scale, a stand to mount the metre scale vertically, a pointer having a fine tip, a
bUg hanger and a number of slotted weights, each of 50g.
Theory
Refer to section 13.01.
Formula used
According to Hooke's law,
restoring force extension (within elastic limits)
i.e. F«l F=-kl,
Where kis spring constant of the spring.
Procedure
1. Suspend the helical spring from the rigid support and attach the pointer at its lower end.

IMPLE HARMONIC MOTION 77

 . 3. Suspend
Mount thethehalf
hanger
metre:Hscale
tromvertically
the loweronend
theofwOoden
the spng.
stand and place it parallel
spended spring. Make adjustment. sothat the pointer attached to the
gCan move against the marked edoeof the scale but without
metre
touching it [Fig. 13.02].
Note the reading.ofthe position of pointer on the scale. Record itaganst he
zero value of the applied load in the loading colun.
D. Gently add a 50gslotted weightto the hanger. Wait for some time (for a minute
Or so). When the pointer comes to rest, note the reading of the pointer. Record
it against the applied load of 50 g in the loading column.
O By proceeding as in step 5, note the position of the pointer in five more 20
observations, each time adding aslotted weight of 50 g, Record the reading of
the pointer in each observation against the value of the applied load in that
observation in the loading column. 30
H
7" Now, remove one 50 g slotted weight from the hanger. The tip of thepointer
willmove up. Record the reading of the pointer against the value of the 40
load in the unloading column. appeu
8. By proceeding as in step 7, note the position of the
pointer by removing one
slotted weight of 50 g each time, tilLall the slotted weights
the hanger. Record the reading of the pointer in each are removed from
value of the applied load in that observation against the
9. Find the mean of the readings forobservation in the unloading column.
the same value of the applied load durin8 Flg. 13.02 E
loading and unloading and hence find the extension in the spring for each value
of the applied load.
10. Plot a graph between the load i.e. applied force F
be as shown in Fig. (along X-axis) and the extensionl(along Y-axis). It will
13.03.
Observations and calculations.
Load placed on the Reading of the pointer, when the spring is
No, hanger lapplied force),
F (g) loaded ()
unloaded (y) +y Mean extension,
Mean R
1. 2
0 gf
2.
F,-50 gf
Fz= 100 gf ,...e.

5.
Fz= 150 gf R, = l=Ry-R=
I,=R,-R=
F = 200 gf
6.
Ka=..... l = R-Ro
Fs = 250gf
R=...... =R4-R=...
R5 Is= Rs-R=.....
Corresponding to point A on the graph [Fig. 13.03],
F =........gi

.dyne,
I=........ cmn
Therefore, spring constant of the spring,
k= F

=dyne cm-1
Result
The spring constant of the
given spring
=...
dyne cm-1
Precautions
1. The vertical
oscillatory motion of the loaded spring should not
jerky and shaky. be Fig. 13.03
 2. The oscillatory motion of the spring should be
strictly along vertical.
3. The amplitude of oscillations should be small.
4. During the oscillatory motion of the loaded spring,the pointer should not touch the half metre scale.
5. The half metre scale should be held parallel to the suspended spring.
6. The mass should be attched to the spring gently.
7. The initial position of the pointer should be noted only when the oscillations in the spring get completely
subsided.
Sources of error
1. The support may not be rigid.
2. The amplitude of oscillations may not be small.
elastic limit.
3. The spring may have been loaded beyond its