Helical Spring- 2

Aim: To find the force constant of helical spring by plotting a graph between mass and
square of time period by oscillation method.

Apparatus required: Spring, rigid support, weight hanger, slotted weights, vertical
wooden scale, hook, stop watch etc….

Theory:
𝑚2 −𝑚1
Spring constant K= 4𝜋 2 Where 𝑚 is mass and T is time period
𝑇22 −𝑇12

SI unit kgs-2

Model graph mass m (kg)

𝑚2

𝑚1

𝑇12 𝑇22 𝑇 2 (s2)

Observation

Sl Time for 20 oscillations (s) Period

No: mass Mean (t) 𝑡
𝑇= 20 (S) 𝑇 2 (s2)
(kg) 1 2
1
2
3
4
5

Calculation from graph

 𝑚2 −𝑚1
Spring constant K = 4𝜋 2 = 4𝜋 2 x slope = ……………𝑘𝑔𝑠 −2
𝑇22 −𝑇12

Procedure:

Suspend the helical spring from a rigid support. The free end of the spring carries a
weight hanger. Using a stop watch measure the time for 20 oscillations for different masses and
record in tabular column. Find the time period and its square corresponding to each mass. Plot a
graph between mass and square of period. Calculate the spring constant after finding the slope
𝑚 −𝑚
using the equation K = 4𝜋 2 𝑇22 −𝑇21 = 4𝜋 2 x slope
2 1

Result:

The spring constant of given helical spring K=………………… 𝑘𝑔𝑠 −2

Precautions:

1. The spring should be suspended freely from a rigid stand.

2. Amplitude of oscillation should be kept small.
3. While measuring time, the reading of pointer on the scale when it is stationary
should be taken as the reference.
4. Minimum load value should be suitably selected depending upon the spring
factor of the spring.

Sources of error:

1. Oscillation of the helical spring may not be absolutely undamped.

2. As no support can be perfectly rigid, some error due to yielding of support may
creep in.