1/22 AP Phys: Energy in springs: Hooke’s Law and Spring constants

Goals

• Analyze the relationship between how far a spring is stretched (Δx) and the force required to hold it at that distance.
• Develop a model for energy in a spring based on (ΣE) + W = (ΣE)
  • If the spring has no initial energy, then the work done on the spring equals the final elastic/spring energy.

Procedures, general outline

You will need to think about how you are making the following measurements, and record the details of your procedures in your lab book.

1. Before you start, read the procedures and create a data table with all the necessary columns and rows.
2. Chose a tubular spring scale from the bin, and records its color.
3. Pull a spring scale out and hold it at any distance.
4. Record the stretch (Δx) of the spring.
5. Record the force measurement of the scale.
6. Repeat at several different lengths, until you are comfortable that you can plot the data and be confident that your choice of linear or exponential fit is an accurate model.
7. Repeat steps 2-6 for a total of three different colored spring scales.

Analysis

• Analyze your data using a scatter plot, and develop an equation for each spring.
  • Plot stretch as the independent variable.

Conclusion development

• Develop conclusions with your group about the relationship.
• Prepare to present a whiteboard tomorrow: You should have a small box in your lab book showing what you will write on your whiteboard tomorrow.