Spring Constant (G3)

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preface

In our everyday life, it's common for us to see physics applied in every action we take. There are
meanings behind the physics that lies in things, especially moving objects. Every moving object
has values and from there, we can calculate the motion needed for the object to move at a
given time.

In this experiment, there will be several things to observe, mainly about stress and strains.
When talking about stress and strains, the main focus is all about springs. Springs, in physics, a
spring is an object that can be deformed by a force and then return to its original shape after the
force is removed. The first spring originated in the 18th century, when French people put an
arc-shaped plate onto a carriage to better hold the weight. This metal plate is considered a leaf
spring, and it was the first-ever leaf spring used on a transportation vehicle.

The first spring evolved into several different types and usages, such as in 1493, Leonardo Da
Vinci customized a spring to be built within a pistol to make it possible for the pistol to be shot off
in a single hand. This spring was the beginning of revolutionizing the gun. Guns today use
various types of spring technology to make guns work efficiently. The coiled spring made using
a steel-rigid material can be used to make everything, from shoes to trampolines and et cetera.

1.2 Question

The theories of this experiment land on one problem. In order to carry out the experiment, we
must determine the questions that correspond to the theories given. In this case, the problem is
to define the exact number of spring constants by conducting 2 ways of experiments related,
which are the static and dynamic ways.

1.3 Objection

In this experiment, we will conduct a 2-ways-experiment, which are static and dynamic ways
involving springs. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the exact value of spring
constant (k) applied.
 CHAPTER II
BASIC THEORIES

2.1 Newton’s First Law

Newton’s laws of motion are three fundamental laws of classical mechanics which depicts the
correlation between the motion of an object and the forces acting on it. Newton’s first law of
motion, also known as the law of inertia stated that when the net force of a body is equivalent to
zero, its motion does not change. (Halliday, 2011). Moreover, the first law implies that in order
for an object to move, there must be a force acting on it otherwise the resultant of the force is
zero. Since it is inertia, the object does not have any acceleration, thus the equation will be:

Where f equals to the force acting on the object, m is equivalent to the mass and a is
acceleration.

2.2 Newton’s Second Law

Newton’s second law of motion explains the question of what if an object experiences one or
more forces acting on it. Referring to the equation (2.1.1), Newton’s second law stated that
when a certain force is exerted into the object, the object will result in a direction, which is
slightly proportional to the force acting on it, say if the force doubles, so is the acceleration and
so on.

2.3 Stress

Stress is a quantity that describes the magnitude of forces that cause deformation. This
restoring force will be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the applied deforming
force. Stress is generally defined as force per unit area. In general, stress is divided into 3
types. When forces pull on an object and cause its elongation, like the stretching of an elastic
band, we call such stress a tensile stress. When forces cause a compression of an object, we
call it a compressive stress. When an object is being squeezed from all sides, like a submarine
in the depths of an ocean, we call this kind of stress a bulk stress (or volume stress). Stress is
considered a tensor quantity, denoted by the Greek letter σ, and its SI unit is Pascal or N/m2.
(Ling, 2016) The formula can be mathematically expressed as:
Where σ represents stress in Greek, F represents the force that creates the deformation of the
object, and A is area, which is disproportionate to the standard deviation.

2.4 Strain

The result of a stress is strain, which is a measure of the degree of deformation. It is found that,
for sufficiently small stresses, stress is proportional to strain; the constant of proportionality
depends on the material being deformed and on the nature of the deformation. We call this
proportionality constant the elastic modulus. The elastic modulus is therefore defined as the
ratio of the stress to the resulting strain:

The elastic modulus in general relates what is done to a solid object (a force is applied) to how
that object responds (it deforms to some extent). It is similar to the spring constant k in Hooke’s
law (Serway, 2010).

2.5 Hooke’s Law of Elasticity

Hooke’s law of elasticity proves that force is equivalent or equal to x length. So, for instance, if
the length doubles, the force will be doubled as well. To elaborate further, the equation will be
stated below:

F = -kx
Where F means the force that is exerted on the object, x is the length difference between the
initial spring and the final stretch of the spring and k is the constant of the spring. K in every
spring varies according to the spring itself.

Specifically in this experiment, it is the force that allows the spring to stretch by attaching the
weight (m) to the spring. We can notice how the stretch created by the spring is going downward
by gravity (Fg) and upward (Fs). Hence, to make it equal, Fg and Fs should be equivalent to
zero.

Fg = Fs
Mg = kx

When the force exerted is equal, it is then called the equilibrium point. It can remain in
equilibrium unless another force is added. (Eseceli, 2019)

2.6 Elasticity

The characteristics of elasticity do not always come from springs. It may come in very
compact and rigid things, like ceramic. To differentiate the amount of elasticity appeals in one’s
object, we can refer to the quantity of Young’s Modulus. (Abdullah, 2007)

Where E (Young’s modulus) is equal to stress over strain. Stress can be broken down
into force over area, and strains can be broken down to Δl which refers to the length difference
and lo which is the initial length.

Shear’s modulus can be defined as a stress comparison glide with a strain of glide. The glide
modulus of a material is expressed as a force per unit of area. In general, the value of the glide
modulus of a material reaches half to one-third of Young's modulus value. (Lubis, 2008)

For three dimensional deformation, when the volume is involved, then the ratio of applied stress
to volumetric strain is called Bulk modulus. Mathematically it is expressed as:

Where B refers to the value of Bulk’s modulus, ΔP is the subtraction of final pressure and initial
pressure, ΔV is the difference in volume, and Vo refers to the initial value of the volume.
 When a spring is loosen, it will come back to its previous position, the process is called
elasticity. Elasticity is the property by which a body returns to its original size and shape when
the forces that deformed it are removed. There is a limit in elasticity, in which when a stress in
excess of the limit is applied, the object will not return exactly to its original state after the stress
is removed. (Schaums, 1998)

Graph 2.6.1 showing Hooke’s Law

From the graph, we can observe that the line shows how the force is proportional to x direction,
however, once it exceeds the elastic limit, the result may vary.

2.7 Simple Harmonic Motion

The simplest vibrational motion to understand is called Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM).
SHM occurs when an object is moved from its equilibrium position and the force that tries to
restore the object back to its equilibrium position is equal to the distance from the equilibrium
position.
Simple harmonic motion examples include pendulum, vibrating tuning fork, spring, etc. Since
the objects in simple harmonic motion exhibit Hooke’s law of elasticity, therefore the equation is
the same.
 CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

3.1 Tools and Material

In order to carry out the experiment, the tools and materials needed include one set of
load, stative, standard scale of 0-50 grams, one piece of stopwatch, and two pieces of springs.

3.2 Tool Scheme

Below is the tool used for this experiment, specifically to carry out the experiment of
constant spring in a static way.

Figure 3.2.2 Spring System

3.3 Methods

The experiment is conducted in two ways. The steps needed to execute the experiment
in a static way is to first arrange the equipment, as shown in figure 3.2.2. Next is to hang the
bucket on a spring using a stative and the scale is positioned to zero when the bucket is hung.
The load or weight is added simultaneously and the result is recorded for each additional load.
Do it for 5 types of load. Also record the weight and position of the bucket for each load
reduction once the load is being removed.

On the other hand, to conduct in a dynamic way, if a spring which has been given a load
formed a new equilibrium was distorted and released, the spring system experiences vibrations.
To do this, hang the bucket on a spring, calculate the deviation then release. The vibrations
created by the springs are recorded for 15 vibrations. The same thing is done when the
additional load is added. Perform the same step with other springs and calculate the result.
 CHAPTER VI
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Data Analysis

Below are the results obtained from the experiment of constant’s spring. The data
consist of the results of the spring with added weight and when the weight is being subtracted,
and in the dynamic way using vibrations. The spring used in this observation has a length of 11
cm, the first weight measures 112 grams, and the second weight measures 20 grams.

Table 4.1 Measuring spring constant in a static way

Mass increment ∆𝑥1 (m) Mass reduction ∆𝑥2 (m)
0,112 0,11 0,192 0,195
0,132 0,13 0,172 0,17
0,152 0,155 0,152 0,155
0,172 0,17 0,132 0,13
0,192 0,195 0,112 0,11

Table 4.2 Measuring spring constant in a dynamic way

Mass increment time (s) Mass reduction time (s)
0,112 10,75 0,192 13,73
0,132 11,43 0,172 13,15
0,152 12,23 0,152 12,33
0,172 12,98 0,132 11,55
0,192 13,67 0,112 10,7

The data that has been obtained are then being accumulated.

4.2 Calculations
4.2.1 Static way
Using the given data, we can calculate the formula for the constant in both static and
dynamic ways, but using different formulas since the given data for static and dynamic is
different. As for the constant spring in a static way, the formulas that will be used depend on
Newton’s 2nd law of motions and Hooke’s law.

Σ𝐹 = 𝑚. 𝑎 (4.1)

The Newton’s law can be stated as resultant force (Σ𝐹) equals to mass (m) multiplied by
acceleration (a). However, since the spring is arranged vertically in y-axis, therefore the
acceleration can be replaced using gravitational acceleration (g) instead.
 Σ𝐹 = 𝑚. 𝑔 (4.2)

Since Hooke’s law states that force is equal to constant (k) multiplied by distance (x), we can
replace the force using Newton's law formula in 4.2. Hence, the formula will be as follows.

𝑚. 𝑔 = 𝑘. ∆𝑥 (4.3)
𝑚.𝑔
𝑘 = ∆𝑥
(4.4)

Whereas m represents mass, g represents gravitational acceleration, k represents the constant

spring and ∆𝑥 represents the distance taken.

To apply this formula, we can take an example from the first row of table 4.1.

Given : 𝑚 = 112 𝑔 = 0. 112 𝑘𝑔

2
𝑔 = 9. 8 𝑚/𝑠
∆𝑥 = 11 𝑐𝑚 = 0. 11 𝑚

Asked : the value of spring constant

Solution : 𝐹 = 𝑘. ∆𝑥
𝑚. 𝑔 = 𝑘. ∆𝑥
𝑚𝑔
𝑘 = ∆𝑥
2
0.112 𝑘𝑔 𝑥 10𝑚/𝑠
𝑘 = 11 𝑚
𝑘 = 9. 9781 𝑁/𝑚

Below are the results of calculation in a static way.

Table 4.3 Spring constant (k) due to mass increment in a static way
Mass increment (kg) ∆𝑥 (m) k (N/m)
0,112 0,11 9,978181818
0,132 0,13 9,950769231
0,152 0,155 9,610322581
0,172 0,17 9,915294118
0,192 0,195 9,649230769
Average 9,820759703
Table 4.4 Spring constant (k) due to mass reduction in a static way
Mass reduction (kg) ∆𝑥 (m) k (N/m)
0,192 0,195 9,649230769
0,172 0,17 9,915294118
0,152 0,155 9,610322581
0,132 0,13 9,950769231
0,112 0,11 9,978181818
Average 9,820759703

The results of the constant (k) are not particularly different from one mass to the other.
After calculating each of the constants, the mean can be obtained. Both tables have the same
average which is 9.82 N/m.

4.2.2 Dynamic way

As for the calculations made in a dynamic way, the data given is expressed differently
than the static way, which includes mass and periods. Using the same formula for the static way,
which relates to Newton’s 2nd law and Hooke’s law, the formula is stated down below.

𝑚. 𝑎 = − 𝑘. ∆𝑥 (4.5)
−𝑘.∆𝑥
𝑎 = 𝑚
(4.6)

If we notice closely, when force is applied, the spring will act in a wave formation and since the
data given each has a period, therefore the wave equation is applied.

𝑥 = 𝑎. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (ω𝑡 + Θ) (4.7)

𝑣 = − 𝑎. ω 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (ω𝑡 + Θ) (4.8)
2
𝑎 = − 𝑎. ω 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (ω𝑡 + Θ) (4.9)

Whereas x stands for distance, v stands for velocity, and a stands for acceleration. From the
equation 4.9, substitute a with equation 4.7.

𝑥
𝑎= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (ω𝑡+Θ)
(4.10)
𝑥 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠 (ω𝑡 +Θ)
= − 𝑎. ω 𝑐𝑜𝑠(ω𝑡 + θ) (4.11)
2
𝑎 = − ω ∆𝑥 (4.12)

a can be substituted with the equation 4.5.

𝑘.∆𝑥 2
𝑚
= ω ∆𝑥 (4.13)
𝑘 2
𝑚
= ω (4.14)
On the other hand, ω can be expressed as:

2Π
ω = 𝑇
(4.15)
Hence, the formula will be:

4Π 2
( )
𝑇
=
𝑘
𝑚
(4.16)

𝑚
𝑇 = 2Π 𝑘
(4.17)

In the experiment, the period from the wave is determined using

𝑡
𝑇 = 𝑛
(4.18)

Where T defines period, t defines the time needed for one oscillation, n is the amount of
vibrations, a is acceleration and ω stands for omega.

To apply the formula, we can take an example from the first row of table 4.2

Given : 𝑚 = 112 𝑔 = 0. 112 𝑘𝑔

𝑡 = 10. 75 𝑠

Asked : the value of spring constant

𝑚
Solution : 𝑇 = 2Π 𝑘
2 2
𝑚.4Π .𝑛
𝑘 = 2
𝑡
2 2
0.112.4Π .15
𝑘 = 2
(10.75)
𝑘 = 8, 6 𝑁/𝑚
Below are the results of calculation in a dynamic way.

Table 4.5 Spring constant (k) due to mass increasement in dynamic way
Mass increment (kg) Time (s) Period (s) K (N/m)
0,112 10,75 0,03822261374 8,600088091
0,132 11,43 0,03984747051 8,965680865
0,152 12,23 0,04007836179 9,017631402
0,172 12,98 0,04026227858 9,05901268
0,192 13,67 0,04052131093 9,117294959
Average 8,9519416

Table 4.6 Spring constant (k) due to mass reduction in dynamic way
Mass reduction (kg) Time (s) Period (s) K (N/m)
0,192 13,73 0,9153333333 9,037784046
0,172 13,15 0,8766666667 8,826301262
0,152 12,33 0,822 8,871953162
0,132 11,55 0,77 8,780348794
0,112 10,7 0,7133333333 8,680650537
Average 8,83940756

After calculating each of the constants, the mean can be obtained. Table with mass increment
has an average of 8.95 N/m meanwhile table with mass reduction has an average of 8.83 N/m.
4.3 Discussion

The experiment entitled “Spring Constant” aims to distinguish the value of constant (k).
The experiment itself is conducted in 2 ways, static and dynamic. In order to conduct the
practicum, the tools and materials needed include a spring, 2 types of load (20 grams and 112
grams) and an instrument called spring system which is used to hang the spring so that it is
easier to calculate. In a static way, spring is hung on top of the instrument and load is added
simultaneously and the data collected is in the form of mass and length increment, meanwhile in
a dynamic way, the data collected is in the form of mass and time period since the spring is
applied with force, making a wave-like motion. Both ways apply Hooke’s and Newton’s law of
motion, but with different data given.

Three variables used in this experiment include control, independent, and dependent
variables. In using the static way, the control variables include instrument of spring system and
gravity, independent variables include mass increment and reduction and the dependent
variables include the changes in length (∆𝑥). As for the experiment conducted in a dynamic way,
the control variables include the instrument of the spring system, gravity, and vibrations,
independent variables include mass increment and reduction and the vibrations, and last are the
dependent variables which include the time taken for the spring to move.

After the experiment is conducted, the values that we get from doing it using the static
way results in an average of 9.82 N/m in both mass increment and reduction. As for the results
in a dynamic way, we get the average result of 8.95 N/m and 8.84 N/m for mass increment and
reduction respectively. Notice how the average of constant spring varies in dynamic way and
remains the same in the static way, it is because in dynamic way, it depends on time (period),
thus, there is a slight difference for each row in the data, while in static way it only depends on
the length affected by the mass.

Graph 4.1 w-∆𝑥 line chart due to mass increment in static way
 Graph 4.2 w-∆𝑥 line chart due to mass reduction in static way

Graph 4.3 w-T line chart due to mass increment in dynamic way
 Graph 4.3 w-T line chart due to mass reduction in dynamic way

Above are the graphs for both static and dynamic ways. It can be seen that as the mass
increases, the length will increase and same goes for the dynamic way, the period will increase
as the mass increases. Therefore, the graph will rise and that proves the theory of elasticity by
Hooke. It explains that the force is proportional to the length’s extension and in the theory, it is
said that the graph will move slightly in an irregular line because it exceeds the elasticity limit.
However, in the experiment, it is shown that the graph did not exceed the elasticity limit.
 CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the constant value of spring constant (k) obtained in a static way is 9.82
N/m and the constant value in a dynamic way ranges from 8.84-8.95 N/m. There are factors that
affect both values to be different and not precise, one of which is human error, especially when
calculating the results in a dynamic way. We can also notice that the spring constant depends
on both Newton’s law of motion and Hooke’s law of elasticity.
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