Required practical - how forces affect the extension of a spring
Investigate the relationship between force and extension for a spring
There are different ways to investigate the relationship between force and extension for a spring. In this practical activity it is important to:
- measure and record length accurately
- measure and observe the effect of force on the extension of springs
- collect the data required to plot a force-extension graph
Aim of the experiment
To investigate the relationship between force and extension for a spring.
Method
- Secure a clamp stand to the bench using a G-clamp or a large mass on the base.
- Use bosses to attach two clamps to the clamp stand.
- Attach the spring to the top clamp, and a ruler to the bottom clamp.
- Adjust the ruler so that it is vertical, and with its zero level with the top of the spring.
- Measure and record the unloaded length of the spring.
- Hang a 100 g slotted mass carrier - weight 0.98 newtons (N) - from the spring. Measure and record the new length of the spring.
- Add a 100 g slotted mass to the carrier. Measure and record the new length of the spring.
- Repeat step 7 until you have added a total of 1,000 g.
Results
Record your results in a suitable table.
| Force (N) | Length (mm) | Extension (mm) |
| 0 (unloaded) | 22 | 0 |
| 0.98 | 52 | 30 |
| 1.96 | 83 | 61 |
| ... | ... | ... |
| Force (N) | 0 (unloaded) |
|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 22 |
| Extension (mm) | 0 |
| Force (N) | 0.98 |
|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 52 |
| Extension (mm) | 30 |
| Force (N) | 1.96 |
|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 83 |
| Extension (mm) | 61 |
| Force (N) | ... |
|---|---|
| Length (mm) | ... |
| Extension (mm) | ... |
Analysis
- For each result, calculate the extension: extension = length - unloaded length
- Plot a line graph with extension on the vertical axis, and force on the horizontal axis. Draw a suitable line or curve of best fit.
- Identify the range of force over which the extension of the spring is directly proportional to the weight hanging from it.
Evaluation
It is important to keep the ruler vertical. Suggest another way to improve the accuracy of the length measurements.
Hazards and control measures
| Hazard | Consequence | Control measures |
| Equipment falling off table | Heavy objects falling on feet - bruise/fracture | Use a G-clamp to secure the stand. |
| Sharp end of the spring recoiling if the spring breaks | Damage to eyes, cuts to skin | Wear eye protection. Support and gently lower masses whilst loading the spring. |
| Masses falling to floor if the spring fails | Heavy objects falling on feet - bruise/fracture | Gently lower load onto spring and step back. |
| Hazard | Equipment falling off table |
|---|---|
| Consequence | Heavy objects falling on feet - bruise/fracture |
| Control measures | Use a G-clamp to secure the stand. |
| Hazard | Sharp end of the spring recoiling if the spring breaks |
|---|---|
| Consequence | Damage to eyes, cuts to skin |
| Control measures | Wear eye protection. Support and gently lower masses whilst loading the spring. |
| Hazard | Masses falling to floor if the spring fails |
|---|---|
| Consequence | Heavy objects falling on feet - bruise/fracture |
| Control measures | Gently lower load onto spring and step back. |
