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Investigating elasticity

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Investigating elasticity

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Explainer Video

Tutor: Madeleine

Summary

Investigating elasticity

In a nutshell

By applying an increasing force to a spring, the resultant extension of the spring can be measured. This can be used to find spring constant and the work done by the force on the spring.

Equations

Word Equation	Symbol Equation
$force = spring \space constant \times extension$	$F = k \times x$
$force = mass \times gravitational \space field \space strength$	$F = m\times g$
$work \space done = \frac{1}{2} \times spring \space constant \times extension^2$	$W = \frac{1}{2} \times k \times x^2$

Variable definitions

Quantity Name	Symbol	unit name	Unit
$force$	$F$	$newton$	$N$
$spring\space constant$	$k$	$newton \space per \space metre$	$N/m$
$extension$	$x$	$metre$	$m$
$mass$	$m$	$kilogram$	$kg$
$work\space done$	$W$	$joule$	$J$

Equipment list

The following equipment list can be used to conduct the experiment to investigate elasticity.

Equipment	Use
Spring	To measure the extension of.
Masses ( $5 \times 100 \,g$ )	To apply a force to extend the string.
$100\,g$ mass hanger	To hold the masses.
Clamp	To hold the spring and masses.
Clamp stand	To hold the clamp.
Ruler	To measure the extension
Pointer	To read the extension accurately on the ruler.

Experimental variables

The independent variable is the variable you change. The dependent variable is the variable that changes depending on the other variables, and is the one you measure. The control variables are the variables that are kept constant.

Independent Variable	$Force$
Dependent Variable	$Extension$
Control Variables	$Spring\ constant,\ mass\ of\ masses$

Safety precautions

When performing experiments, it is very important to consider safety precautions. This is so that no one gets hurt or injured during the experiment.

Hazard	Risk	Safety Measure
Spring	The spring may snap which could cause injury.	Wear goggles during the experiment.
Clamp and masses	The clamp and masses may fall if not secured to the desk properly.	Use heavy objects (or a G clamp) to ensure the clamp stand doesn't fall over.
Falling masses	Masses may fall off the mass hanger.	Place a mat under the masses and ensure no feet or body parts are directly under the masses.

Method

These are the instructions to complete the experiment. Record all measurements taken as you work through the experiment in a table.

Physics; Physics practicals; KS4 Year 10; Investigating elasticity

1.	Desk
2.	G-clamp
3.	Clamps
4.	Clamp stand
5.	Ruler
6.	Spring
7.	Pointer
8.	Masses
9.	Mass hanger

1.	Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram.
2.	Measure the initial length of the spring using the ruler when no force is applied by the masses.
3.	Add the mass hanger to the spring and measure the extension. Use the pointer to ensure an accurate measurement is taken each time. Take the measurement at eye level to avoid parallax error. Note: The extension is equal to the difference between the new length and the initial length.
4.	Continue adding masses and recording the extension. Tip: Wait a few seconds for the spring to extend fully after a mass has been added. Then take the measurement!

Analysis

This is how you will use the data recorded to form conclusions.

1.	Plot a graph of force ( $y$ -axis) against extension ( $x$ -axis). Find the force by using the equation $force = mass \times gravitational \space field \space strength \newline \ \newline F = m\times g$ where $g = 10 \,N/kg$ .
2.	Draw a line of best fit for this graph. The gradient of the straight line region should be the spring constant.
3.	Compare this with Hooke's law. Hooke's law states that the extension of the spring is directly proportional to the force applied to the spring, as long as the limit of proportionality has not been reached.
4.	Using the value of the spring constant, calculate the work done each time the spring increases its extension. $work \space done = \frac{1}{2} \times spring \space constant \times extension^2\newline \ \newline W = \frac{1}{2} \times k \times x^2$

Conclusion

A.	Force ( $N$ )
B.	Extension ( $x$ )

The graph from the measured values of the experiment should look similar to this. The line curving shows the limit of proportionality which is when the spring no longer obeys Hooke's law and has undergone plastic deformation. The spring constant is equal to the gradient of the straight line region.

Evaluation

Once you have completed your experiment, it is important to consider how it could be improved. You should come up with ways to improve the accuracy of your values. If you got a result that seems unreasonable, think about why this was.

Learn with Basics

Length:

Unit 1

Types of forces

Unit 2

Forces and elasticity: Hooke's Law

Jump Ahead

Optional

Unit 3

Investigating elasticity

Final Test

Create an account to complete the exercises

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How do you carry out a Hooke law experiment?

By applying an increasing force to a spring, the resultant extension of the spring can be measured. This can be used to find spring constant and the work done by the force on the spring.

What is Hooke's law?

Hooke's law states that the extension of the spring is directly proportional to the force applied to the spring, as long as the limit of proportionality has not been reached.

What is the curve on a force extension graph for a spring?

The curve represents the limit of proportionality which is when the spring no longer obeys Hooke's law and has undergone plastic deformation

Home

Physics

Physics practicals

Investigating elasticity

Videos

Summary

Exercises

Select Lesson

Exam Board

Select an option

Physics practicals

Investigating force and acceleration

Investigating waves in different materials

Investigating refraction in glass prisms

Investigating I-V characteristics

Investigating series and parallel circuits

Investigating the densities of solids and liquids

Investigating the specific heat capacity

Investigating the specific latent heat of melting ice

Investigating elasticity

Matter

Calculating density

States of matter and changes of state

Specific heat capacity

Specific latent heat

Temperature and pressure of gases

Elasticity and the spring constant

Magnetic fields

Magnetism and magnetic fields

Electromagnetism and solenoids

Motor effect and electromagnetic induction - Higher

Transformers

Electricity and circuits

Electrical charge and circuits

Potential difference and resistance

Components and circuit devices

Series circuits

Parallel circuits

Energy and power in circuits

Household electricity

Electric shocks and safety

Forces and energy

Energy stores and systems

Calculating work done and power

Forces and vector diagrams

Radioactivity

The structure of the atom

Electron energy levels and ionisation

Isotopes and radioactive decay

Half-life and calculating radioactive decay

Irradiation and contamination

Waves and the electromagnetic spectrum

Waves: properties, types and equations

Refraction and ray diagrams

The electromagnetic spectrum

Uses of electromagnetic waves

Conservation of energy

Energy stores and transfers

Mechanical energy stores

Conduction and convection

Energy efficiency

Renewable and non-renewable resources

Motion and forces

Speed, velocity and acceleration

Distance-time and velocity-time graphs

Newton's laws

Gravity and weight calculations

Circular motion and satellites - Higher

Stopping, thinking and braking distances

Momentum calculations - Higher

Working scientifically

The scientific method

Science communication and ethics

Evaluating risks and hazards

Collecting data

Processing and presenting data

Units and equations

Structuring a scientific report and drawing conclusions

Uncertainties and evaluations

Practical skills

Measuring techniques

Safety and ethics

Designing experiments

Methods of heating substances

Working with electronics

Random sampling and sampling methods

Comparing results using percentage change

Explainer Video

Tutor: Madeleine

Summary

Investigating elasticity

In a nutshell

By applying an increasing force to a spring, the resultant extension of the spring can be measured. This can be used to find spring constant and the work done by the force on the spring.

Equations

Word Equation	Symbol Equation
$force = spring \space constant \times extension$	$F = k \times x$
$force = mass \times gravitational \space field \space strength$	$F = m\times g$
$work \space done = \frac{1}{2} \times spring \space constant \times extension^2$	$W = \frac{1}{2} \times k \times x^2$

Variable definitions

Quantity Name	Symbol	unit name	Unit
$force$	$F$	$newton$	$N$
$spring\space constant$	$k$	$newton \space per \space metre$	$N/m$
$extension$	$x$	$metre$	$m$
$mass$	$m$	$kilogram$	$kg$
$work\space done$	$W$	$joule$	$J$

Equipment list

The following equipment list can be used to conduct the experiment to investigate elasticity.

Equipment	Use
Spring	To measure the extension of.
Masses ( $5 \times 100 \,g$ )	To apply a force to extend the string.
$100\,g$ mass hanger	To hold the masses.
Clamp	To hold the spring and masses.
Clamp stand	To hold the clamp.
Ruler	To measure the extension
Pointer	To read the extension accurately on the ruler.

Experimental variables

Independent Variable	$Force$
Dependent Variable	$Extension$
Control Variables	$Spring\ constant,\ mass\ of\ masses$

Safety precautions

When performing experiments, it is very important to consider safety precautions. This is so that no one gets hurt or injured during the experiment.

Hazard	Risk	Safety Measure
Spring	The spring may snap which could cause injury.	Wear goggles during the experiment.
Clamp and masses	The clamp and masses may fall if not secured to the desk properly.	Use heavy objects (or a G clamp) to ensure the clamp stand doesn't fall over.
Falling masses	Masses may fall off the mass hanger.	Place a mat under the masses and ensure no feet or body parts are directly under the masses.

Method

These are the instructions to complete the experiment. Record all measurements taken as you work through the experiment in a table.

1.	Desk
2.	G-clamp
3.	Clamps
4.	Clamp stand
5.	Ruler
6.	Spring
7.	Pointer
8.	Masses
9.	Mass hanger

1.	Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram.
2.	Measure the initial length of the spring using the ruler when no force is applied by the masses.
3.	Add the mass hanger to the spring and measure the extension. Use the pointer to ensure an accurate measurement is taken each time. Take the measurement at eye level to avoid parallax error. Note: The extension is equal to the difference between the new length and the initial length.
4.	Continue adding masses and recording the extension. Tip: Wait a few seconds for the spring to extend fully after a mass has been added. Then take the measurement!

Analysis

This is how you will use the data recorded to form conclusions.

1.	Plot a graph of force ( $y$ -axis) against extension ( $x$ -axis). Find the force by using the equation $force = mass \times gravitational \space field \space strength \newline \ \newline F = m\times g$ where $g = 10 \,N/kg$ .
2.	Draw a line of best fit for this graph. The gradient of the straight line region should be the spring constant.
3.	Compare this with Hooke's law. Hooke's law states that the extension of the spring is directly proportional to the force applied to the spring, as long as the limit of proportionality has not been reached.
4.	Using the value of the spring constant, calculate the work done each time the spring increases its extension. $work \space done = \frac{1}{2} \times spring \space constant \times extension^2\newline \ \newline W = \frac{1}{2} \times k \times x^2$

Conclusion

A.	Force ( $N$ )
B.	Extension ( $x$ )

Evaluation

Learn with Basics

Length:

Unit 1

Types of forces

Unit 2

Forces and elasticity: Hooke's Law

Jump Ahead

Optional

Unit 3

Investigating elasticity

Final Test

Create an account to complete the exercises

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How do you carry out a Hooke law experiment?

By applying an increasing force to a spring, the resultant extension of the spring can be measured. This can be used to find spring constant and the work done by the force on the spring.

What is Hooke's law?

Hooke's law states that the extension of the spring is directly proportional to the force applied to the spring, as long as the limit of proportionality has not been reached.

What is the curve on a force extension graph for a spring?

The curve represents the limit of proportionality which is when the spring no longer obeys Hooke's law and has undergone plastic deformation

Investigating elasticity

Videos

Summary

Exercises

Select Lesson

Exam Board

Physics practicals

Matter

Magnetic fields

Electricity and circuits

Forces and energy

Radioactivity

Waves and the electromagnetic spectrum

Conservation of energy

Motion and forces

Working scientifically

Practical skills

Explainer Video

Summary

Investigating elasticity

In a nutshell

​​Word Equation

​​Symbol Equation

​​Quantity Name

Symbol

​​unit name

​​Unit

Equipment

Use

Hazard

Risk

​​Safety Measure

Method

Analysis

Conclusion

Evaluation

Learn with Basics

Unit 1

Types of forces

Unit 2

Forces and elasticity: Hooke's Law

Jump Ahead

Unit 3

Investigating elasticity

Final Test

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How do you carry out a Hooke law experiment?

What is Hooke's law?

What is the curve on a force extension graph for a spring?

Investigating elasticity

Videos

Summary

Exercises

Select Lesson

Exam Board

Physics practicals

Matter

Magnetic fields

Electricity and circuits

Forces and energy

Radioactivity

Waves and the electromagnetic spectrum

Conservation of energy

Motion and forces

Working scientifically

Practical skills

Explainer Video

Summary

Investigating elasticity

In a nutshell

​​Word Equation

​​Symbol Equation

​​Quantity Name

Symbol

​​unit name

​​Unit

Equipment

Use

Hazard

Risk

Word Equation

Symbol Equation

Quantity Name

unit name

Unit

Safety Measure

Word Equation

Symbol Equation

Quantity Name

unit name

Unit

Safety Measure