Physics Laboratory Report

Experiment No: Date: .

Title: Find the spring constant (Hooke’s Law)

Prepared By:

Partners:

Lab Instructor:

Remarks by Grader:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Grade: ______

1/6
 Physics Laboratory Report

Abstract:

 The main objective of this experiment is to show Hooke’s Law of spring

 To investigate how the spring under any force behaves

to prove that this behavior is fully explained by Hooke's Law.

 To show that the mass spring system is a good example for oscillating motion.

Introduction:

The spring constant of a spring can be found by carrying out an experiment.

The unloded length of spring is mesured. Slotted masses are added to the spring.

Record each stretching force in N and the corresponding length of the spring.

The extension is the new length minus the unloded length.

Materials and Equipment:

1. Tripod Base 2. Support Rod

3. Spring 4. Meter ruler

5. Pointer 6. Weights

 When choosing the string make sure to check whether it’s non-elastic. Otherwise the
elasticity will affect the readings.

 The experiment generates more accurate results if we use metallic pendulum and a very light
string.

 The stand should be stable.

 Make sure to check the functionality of the stopwatch before start.

2/6
 Physics Laboratory Report

Theory:

Measuring the stretching produced by different loads, added to the spring, tests the elasticity of a
spring.

When a spring is stretched by an applied force, a restoring force is produced.

Due to the restoring force, simple harmonic motion is caused in a straight line in which the
acceleration and the restoring force are directly proportional to the displacement of the vibrating
load from the equilibrium position.

The relation between the force F and displacement x is

F = −kx.

The force is opposite in direction to the displacement. ,

The constant k is known as the force constant of the spring.

3/6
 Physics Laboratory Report

Method:

1. Set up the apparatus as in the diagram

2. Add a 10 g mass to the holder and record the spring length.
3. Add another 10 g mass and record the new spring length.
4. Take away the previous spring length from the new length to calculate the extension (the
difference).
5. Repeat by adding 10 g masses until 100 g is reached.

Variables
 The independent variable is the mass.
 The dependent variable is the extension.
 Controlled variables include using the spring and masses used.

4/6
 Physics Laboratory Report

Readings:

Spring Mass Spring Extension Force k=F/x k Ave

length

Calculations:

5/6
 Physics Laboratory Report

Comments:

Conclusion:

Evaluation:

References:

6/6