Investigating Springs

• What should you do before starting the spring investigation?

  Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram
• Why is it important to know the mass of each weight before starting?

  To ensure safe movement of the masses
• How should you measure the length of the spring?

  Use a millimetre ruler clamped to the stand
• What is the significance of taking the reading at eye level?

  To ensure an accurate measurement
• What should you do to ensure the reading is accurate?

  Add a marker to the bottom of the spring
• What should you do after adding a mass to the spring?

  Allow the spring to come to rest
• What is recorded after adding a mass to the spring?

  The mass and the new length of the spring
• How is the extension of the spring defined?

  As the change in length of the spring
• How many measurements should you take before reaching the limit of proportionality?

  No fewer than 6 measurements
• What is the overall method for investigating springs?

  1. Set up the apparatus as shown.
  2. Measure the spring's length without load.
  3. Add a mass and record the new length.
  4. Calculate the extension as the change in length.
  5. Repeat until reaching the limit of proportionality.
• What happens when the line of best fit begins to bend in a spring experiment?

  The readings become unreliable
• Why do readings become unreliable when the line of best fit bends?

  Because the limit of proportionality is reached
• What does it mean when a spring no longer obeys Hooke's Law?

  Extension is not directly proportional to force
• What is the formula for elastic potential energy in a spring?


  Ee = ½ ke²
• Under what condition can a spring be considered to obey Hooke's Law?

  When not stretched past its elastic limit
• What does the limit of proportionality refer to in elastic deformation?

  It indicates the maximum stretch before non-linearity
• How is the energy stored in a spring's elastic potential energy calculated?

  Using the area under a force-extension graph
• What does the energy in the elastic potential energy store represent?

  Energy transferred to the spring as it deforms
• What are the key concepts related to investigating springs and their behavior?

  • Limit of proportionality
  • Hooke's Law
  • Elastic potential energy formula: Ee = ½ ke²
  • Energy stored in a spring
  • Area under force-extension graph