UFP Physics: Practical Lab 1 Academic Year

2022-23
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Table of Contents

1. Introduction and aim ........................................................................................................... 2

2. Apparatus and diagram ....................................................................................................... 4

3. Variables................................................................................................................................ 4

4. Method .................................................................................................................................. 5

5. Safety ..................................................................................................................................... 6

6. Result Table .......................................................................................................................... 6

7. Result Graph ........................................................................................................................ 7

8. Gradient calculation ............................................................................................................ 8

9. Critical analysis of results – Conclusion ............................................................................ 8

10. Evaluation of scientific investigation ................................................................................ 9

11. Referencing ....................................................................................................................... 10

Figure 1:Spring (Lab manual., n.d.) ........................................................................................... 3

Figure 2: Experimental setup (Lab manual., n.d.) ..................................................................... 4

Graph 1: Extension vs Force for spring 1 .................................................................................. 7

Graph 2:Extension vs Force for spring 2 .................................................................................. 7

Table 1: Data for spring 1 .......................................................................................................... 6

Table 2: Data for spring 2 .......................................................................................................... 6

Table 3: Result ........................................................................................................................... 9

1. Introduction and aim

“In this experiment, the spring constants of two different springs as well as spring constants of

springs in parallel and series configurations were examined.” (Lab manual., n.d.).

“When the stress-strain relationship was investigated in the 19th century when studying springs

and elasticity, English scientist Robert Hooke found that many materials had a similar property.

An empirical physical law known as Hooke's law describes the linear relationship between a

spring's restoring force and the spring's deviation from its equilibrium length. A spring is

referred to as a Hookean spring if it abides by Hooke's law. In addition to springs, Hooke's rule

is frequently used as a useful model for different physical systems that tend to swiftly recover

to equilibrium after interruption” (Walker, 2017).

“Up to its elastic limit, a material's strain is inversely proportional to its applied stress,

according to Hooke's law” (Cox, 2014).

Atoms and molecules temporarily deform due to the applied stress before reverting to their

original states when elastic materials are stretched.

Mathematically,

𝐹 = – 𝑘𝑥 (1)

Here,

F = Spring force,

x = Extension in length of spring,

k = The constant of proportionality known as the spring constant.

Hooke's Law is used when a metal wire that has elasticity is stretched by an applied force

because the amount of length that follows from the small increase in length doubles every time

the force applied to the metal wire is doubled. A solid object can be deformed by stretching,

compressing, squeezing, twisting, or bending it.

Figure 1:Spring (Lab manual., n.d.)

As shown in the figure 1, when the mass was attached to the spring, spring was stretched a

distance x. The spring mass system was in the force equilibrium, Therefore

∑ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 = 0

Or

(𝑆𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒) − (𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒) = 0

Or

𝐾𝑥 − 𝑚𝑔 = 0

Or
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𝑘𝑥 = 𝑚𝑔 (2)

2. Apparatus and diagram

Two springs Two Rulers (1m and 30 cm)

One Clamp stand Four Boss

Five different slotted masses Four clamps

Figure 2: Experimental setup (Lab manual., n.d.)

Th rulers were used to measure the extension. It is easy tot measure the extension with the

rulers. To get the accurate and precise result, Weight must be loaded and unloaded cautiously.

When the pointer's tip has had time to settle, reading should be noted. The scale's surface

shouldn't come into contact with the pointer's tip. The elastic limit shouldn't be exceeded during

loading.

3. Variables

An independent variable could be directly under the control of an observer or experimenter.

The dependent variable depends on the independent variable, as suggested by its name. The

dependent variable is frequently the quantity you want to measure or the result of the

experiment or test.
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One that the scientist keeps constant (controls) during an experiment is referred to be a

controlled variable.

Independent variable: - Force (F) (The variable that is changed throughout an experiment).

Dependent variable: - Extension of the spring (x) (The variable being examined or assessed

in an experiment).

Controlled Variable: - Cross-Sectional Area of the spring and material of the spring (These

two variables were kept constant during this experiment).

4. Method

1. Arranged the boss, clamp, and stand and checked that the stand was stable and unlikely to

topple.

2. Hanged the spring from the clamp while precisely measuring its length while it wasn't

unstretched.

3. Measured the spring's new length, calculated its extension, and then record the information

in results table after attaching the mass hanger to the end of the spring.

4. Increased the mass hanger's weight until it reached the highest mass that the spring was

capable of supporting.

5. After the masses were taken out, determined the spring's final length and recorded it.

6. Repeated the preceding steps to find the spring constant for two identical springs connected

in series.

7. Applied the same procedures for two parallel springs to obtain the spring constant for two

series springs that were identical to one another.

5. Safety

1. To avoid any mishaps caused by the weights bouncing off the spring, put on safety

eyewear.

2. Maintain a clear distance from the equipment.

3. Verify that the clamp is securely attached to the spring.

4. Never mess with the masses or the springs.

5. To avoid the trap of clothing with experimental setup or apparatus, refrain from wearing

loose clothing and accessories during the experiment.

6. Result Table

Table 1: Data for spring 1

Mass attached to Spring / Kg- Length of Spring /m Extensio Force

independent Variable Dependent Variable n /m /N

0.1 0.105 0.060 0.981

0.2 0.125 0.080 1.962

0.3 0.145 0.100 2.943

0.4 0.160 0.115 3.924

0.5 0.180 0.135 4.905

Table 2: Data for spring 2

Mass attached to Spring / Kg- Length of Spring /m Extensio Force

independent Variable Dependent Variable n /m /N

0.1 0.100 0.055 0.981

0.2 0.126 0.081 1.962

0.3 0.143 0.098 2.943

0.4 0.162 0.117 3.924

0.5 0.182 0.137 4.905

Sample calculation:

𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 𝑚𝑔 = 0.1 ∗ 9.81 = 0.981 𝑁

7. Result Graph

Spring 1
Extension vs Force
0.160
0.140 y = 0.0189x + 0.0425
0.120 R² = 0.9978
Extension (m)

0.100
0.080
0.060
0.040
0.020
0.000
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Force (N)

Graph 1: Extension vs Force for spring 1

Spring 2
Extension vs Force
0.160
0.140 y = 0.0204x + 0.0376
0.120 R² = 0.9952
Extension (m)

0.100
0.080
0.060
0.040
0.020
0.000
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Force (N)

Graph 2:Extension vs Force for spring 2

8. Gradient calculation

Spring 1

From the graph 1,

𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑥 𝑚
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ 1 = = 0.0189
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝐹 𝑁

From the equation 1,

1
= 0.0189
𝐾1

Or

1
𝐾1 =
0.0189

Or

𝑵
𝑲𝟏 = 𝟓𝟐. 𝟗𝟏𝟎
𝒎

Spring 2

From the graph 2,

𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑥 𝑚
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ 2 = 0.0204
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝐹 𝑁

From the equation 1,

1
= 0.0204
𝐾2

Or
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1
𝐾2 =
0.0204

Or

𝑵
𝑲𝟐 = 𝟒𝟗. 𝟎𝟏𝟗
𝒎

Table 3: Result

Spring constant Experimental (N/m)

Spring 1 52.910

Spring 2 49.019

9. Critical analysis of results – Conclusion

This experiment was designed to investigate the spring constants of two separate springs as

well as springs arranged in parallel and series. The data for the extension of the spring was

increasing with the increase of the attached weight. Graphs between the extension and force

were plotted for spring 1, spring 2. Thes graphs were showing the linear trends which was

theoretically (Hook’s law) also true. It proved that the extension of the spring is proportional
N N
to the spring force. The experimental values of spring constant were 52.910 m, 49.019 m,for

spring 1, spring 2, respectively.

10. Evaluation of scientific investigation

To avoid any mistakes brought on by reading the ruler from a different angle than eye level,

attach a fiduciary marker to the coil spring's bottom. When measuring the length of the spring,

make sure it is not in motion. To improve the accuracy of the result, Vernier callipers must be

used in place of the ruler. The main sources of error can be the wind effect on the spring or

error during the measurement of the extension of the spring. The wind effects the stability of
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the spring which makes difficult to measure the extension of spring. The wrong measurement

of the extension gives the wrong value of spring constant. The largest error in this experiment

was reading the extension of the spring. The metre rule scale should be visible straight across

from the pointer at eye level.

11. Referencing

Aristotle and Reeve, C.D.C. (2018). Physics. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.

Cox, J. (2014). Mechanics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lab manual. (n.d.).

Walker, J.S. (2017). Physics. Boston: Pearson.