Investigating elasticity

• What is the focus of the experiment described?

  Investigating elasticity
• How does adding masses to a spring affect it?

  It causes the spring to stretch
• What is the procedure to investigate the link between force and extension?

  1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram.
  2. Use plenty of extra masses.
  3. Measure the mass of each with a balance.
  4. Calculate the weight using $W =$$mg (g = 9.81)$.
• What should you ensure when measuring the masses?

  Have plenty of extra masses
• What should you do after measuring the mass of each weight?

  Calculate its weight using $W =$$mg$
• What is the first step in determining the size of masses to use?

  Conduct a quick pilot experiment
• What should you do with the identified spring for testing?

  • Use an identical spring for testing.
  • Load it with masses one at a time.
  • Record the force (weight) and extension each time.
• What should you plot to analyze the results?

  Force-extension graph
• What indicates a linear relationship in the force-extension graph?

  A straight line for the first six points
• What should you do if the graph curves early?

  Use smaller masses
• What should you measure when no load is applied?

  The natural length of the spring
• What should you do with the ruler when measuring the spring's length?

  Clamp it to the stand
• What should you do to improve the accuracy of your readings?

  Use markers on the spring
• What should you do after adding a mass to the spring?

  Record the force and extension
• What happens if you exceed the limit of proportionality?

  The graph will start to curve
• What should you expect from a larger force applied to the spring?

  A bigger extension of the spring
• What is the minimum number of measurements needed?

  At least six measurements
• What should you do with the results after plotting the graph?

  Check for a linear relationship
• What should you do if your results do not show a straight line?

  Re-evaluate your mass sizes
• What are the steps to ensure accurate measurements in the experiment?

  1. Use a consistent method for measuring.
  2. Record all measurements carefully.
  3. Repeat measurements for reliability.
  4. Analyze the data for trends.
• What will happen if you exceed the limit of proportionality?

  It will start to curve.
• What should you not worry about if your results don't exceed the limit of proportionality?

  As long as you've got the straight line bit
• What does a larger force cause in terms of extension?

  A larger force causes a bigger extension.
• How can you think of the work needed to cause a larger extension?

  As more work needing to be done.
• What is the force doing work in this context?

  The gravitational force and elastic distortions.
• What is the equation for the force in this context?

  F = kx.
• How can you find the work done for a particular force?

  By calculating the area under the line graph.
• What does the elastic limit always relate to?

  It is always beyond the limit of proportionality.
• What does it mean for a linear relationship in terms of distortion?

  The distortion is always elastic.
• What is transferred energy in this context?

  All the energy being transferred is stored.
• What is the first step to calculate work done for linear relationships?

  Look at the graph on the previous page.
• What is the energy transferred equation for stretching?

  Energy transferred = $\frac{1}{2}kx^2$.
• What does the spring constant represent?

  It is measured in N/m.
• What is the unit for extension in this context?

  Measured in meters (m).
• How can you find the energy stored in a spring?

  Using the equation for energy transferred.
• What does the energy stored in the elastic potential energy relate to?

  It relates to the work done on the spring.
• What is the formula for energy transferred in a spring?

  Energy transferred = $\frac{1}{2}kx^2$.
• What does the energy transferred depend on in a spring?

  It depends on the spring constant and extension.
• How is the energy transferred calculated in terms of spring extension?

  Using the formula $E =$$\frac{1}{2}kx^2$.