Req Pratical 6: Stretching a Spring

• Why is it important for the meter rule to be vertical?

  To ensure accurate readings of the spring's length
• What must be attached to the bottom of the spring?

  A wooden splint as a pointer
• What does the unstretched length of the spring represent?

  The length of the spring with no force applied
• How do you calculate the extension produced by a weight?

  Subtract the unstretched length from the new length
• What is the extension produced by a 1 Newton weight?

  4 cm
• What is the extension produced by a 2 Newton weight?

  8 cm
• What is the extension produced by a 3 Newton weight?

  12 cm
• What is the extension produced by a 4 Newton weight?

  16 cm
• What type of graph is produced when plotting extension against weight for a spring?

  A straight line graph through the origin
• What does a straight line graph indicate about the relationship between force and extension?

  Extension is directly proportional to weight
• What term describes the relationship between force and extension when the graph is linear?

  Linear relationship
• What happens to the graph when a rubber band is used instead of a spring?

  The graph is nonlinear
• What does it mean if a spring returns to zero extension after removing weight?

  The spring is elastic
• What occurs if too much weight is added to the spring?

  The graph becomes nonlinear
• What is inelastic deformation?

  When the spring does not return to zero extension
• What is the limit of proportionality?

  The maximum weight before the graph becomes nonlinear
• How is the spring constant calculated?

  By dividing force by extension
• When is the spring constant the same for any part of the graph?

  As long as the limit of proportionality is not exceeded
• What are the steps to investigate the relationship between force and extension for a spring?

  1. Set up the equipment: clamp stand, bosses, clamps, meter rule, and spring.
  2. Ensure the meter rule is vertical and the pointer is horizontal.
  3. Measure the unstretched length of the spring.
  4. Hang weights (1 Newton each) and record the new positions.
  5. Calculate the extension for each weight.
  6. Plot extension against weight on a graph.
• What are the differences between elastic and inelastic deformation in springs?

  • Elastic deformation: Returns to original length after weight removal.
  • Inelastic deformation: Does not return to original length after weight removal.
• What are the characteristics of the graph produced from the spring experiment?

  • Straight line through the origin indicates linear relationship.
  • Nonlinear graph indicates overstretching and inelastic deformation.
• What is the significance of the spring constant in the context of the experiment?

  • It quantifies the stiffness of the spring.
  • Remains constant within the limit of proportionality.