Experiment: 6

(Ruler Side:)

Aim:- To find the force constant of a helical spring by plotting the extension vs Load graph.
(Ruler Side:)
Apparatus:- Lightweight helical spring with a pointer attached at the lower end and a hook/ring for
suspending it from a hanger, rigid support, hanger, and five to seven slotted weights of 100 g each,
clamp stand, a balance, a measuring scale.

(Ruler Side:)
Theory:-

The spring constant (or force constant) of spring is given by the Spring constant,

K = Restoring Force / Extension.

(1st Blank/Plan Side:)

Ray Diagram:-

(2nd Blank/Plan Side:)

Observation:-
1. Least count of the measuring scale = ... mm = ... cm

(2nd Blank/Plan Side:)

Table:-
Extension (l)
Load(m) (cm)
Sr No (g wt) On increasing On decreasing Mean
load load Extension
1 A1 A2 <A>
2 B1 B2 <B>
3 C1 C2 <C>
4 D1 D2 <D>
5 E1 E2 <E>
6 F1 F2 <F>
7 G1 G2 <G>

Graph(on graph paper)/Calculation(2nd Blank/Plan Side:)

(Ruler Side)
Result:-

Force(Spring) Constant = k = (N/m) = (dyne/gm)

.
(Ruler Side)
Precautions:-

1. Loading and unloading of weight must be done gently.

2. Reading should be noted only when the tip of the pioneer comes to rest.
3. Pointer tip should not touch the scale surface.
4. Loading should not be beyond the elastic limit.
(Ruler Side)
Sources of Error:-

1. The support may not be rigid.

2. The slotted weights may not have the correct weight.