Springs

• What is the main focus of Core Practical 8?

  Investigate extension and work done on a spring
• What equipment is needed for the experiment?

  • Clamp
  • Clamp stand
  • 10x 0.1kg masses
  • Spring
  • Ruler
  • G clamp or additional weights
• How should the spring be set up for the experiment?

  It should hang securely from the clamp stand
• What is the first step in the method?

  Measure the initial length of the spring
• What is the extension of the spring?

  The difference between new length and initial length
• How do you calculate the force applied to the spring?

  Force = mass x gravitational field strength
• What does the gradient of the line of best fit represent?

  The spring constant, k
• What is the formula to calculate work done when the spring extends?

  W = $\frac{1}{2}kx^2$
• What tips should be followed during the experiment?

  • Take measurements from eye level to avoid parallax error
  • Remove weights after each measurement
  • Ensure the spring returns to initial length
  • Measure lengths in metres
• What safety precautions should be taken during the experiment?

  Wear goggles and secure the clamp stand
• Why should goggles be worn during the experiment?

  To protect eyes in case the spring snaps
• What should be done to ensure the spring has not undergone plastic deformation?

  Check that it returns to the same initial length
• How many 0.1 kg masses are used in the experiment?

  10
• What is the purpose of securing the clamp stand to the desk?

  To prevent it from falling and causing injury
• How does the method ensure accurate measurements of extension?

  By recording the extension after each mass addition