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Spring Constant

1. The document describes procedures to calculate the spring constant of a spring using static and dynamic methods. In the static method, different masses are added to the spring and the extension is measured. In the dynamic method, the time for 10 oscillations is measured for different masses. 2. The spring constant is calculated as the slope of the line of best fit of force vs. extension for the static method and as 4π2/slope of a graph of period squared vs. mass for the dynamic method. 3. The spring constant is found to be 4.808 N/m from the static method and 4.81 N/m from the dynamic method, with reported uncertainties.

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Rohit Burnwal
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2K views

Spring Constant

1. The document describes procedures to calculate the spring constant of a spring using static and dynamic methods. In the static method, different masses are added to the spring and the extension is measured. In the dynamic method, the time for 10 oscillations is measured for different masses. 2. The spring constant is calculated as the slope of the line of best fit of force vs. extension for the static method and as 4π2/slope of a graph of period squared vs. mass for the dynamic method. 3. The spring constant is found to be 4.808 N/m from the static method and 4.81 N/m from the dynamic method, with reported uncertainties.

Uploaded by

Rohit Burnwal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PHYSICS PRACTICAL 1

AIM: To calculate the spring constant of a spring using static method and
dynamic method.
APPARATUS: Spring mass apparatus consisting of a very thin spring, fitted on
a stand, a wooden scale, a pointer, a hook, different masses, stop watch.

STATIC METHOD
THEORY: When a load F suspended from lower free end of a spring hanging
from a rigid support, it increases its length by amount x, then F α x or F= k x,
where k is constant of proportionality. It is called the force constant or the
spring constant of the spring.
PROCEDURE: 1. Suspend the spring from a rigid support. Attach a pointer and
a hook from free end.
2. Hang a hanger from the hook.
3. Set the vertical wooden scale such that the tip of the pointer comes over
the scale.
4. Note the reading of the position of the tip of the pointer on the scale.
Record the reading in loading column against zero load.
5. Gently add a slotted weight to the hanger. The pointer tip moves down.
6. Wait for few minutes till the pointer tip comes to rest. Repeat step 4.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 till five slotted weights have been added.
8. Now remove one slotted weight. The pointer tip moves up. Repeat step 6.
Record the reading in unloading column.
9. Repeat step 8 till only hanger is left.
10. Record your observations as given below
OBSERVATIONS:
Least count of vertical scale = 0.1 cm.
S NO. MASS OF LOAD (in g) EXTENSION SPRING
IN SPRING (X CONSTANT(K)
IN CM)
1. M1=100 20 K1=4.9
2. M2=150 31 K2=4.74
3. M3=200 41 K3=4.78
4. M4=250 51 K4=4.8
5. M5=300 61 K5=4.82
GRAPH:
350

300

250

200

150

100

Mass
50
(in g)
0
20 31 41 51 61

Extension (in cm)

CALCULATIONS: if F1 is the restoring force, then


F1 =-KX
At equilibrium F1+Mg=0
Equating these two equation Mg=KX

K=g/slope, where slope is X/M


K= (K1 +K2+K3+K4+K5 )/5

K=4.808 N/M
ERROR CALCULATION: Least count of weighing machine=1g
Least count of meter scale used= 1cm

= +
⋅
Where, k=error in measuring spring constant
M=least count of weighing machine
x= least count of meter scale
1 =0.294, 2=0.184, 3=0.141, 4=0.114, 5=0.095

+ + + +
=
5
=0.1656
RESULT: The force constant of the given spring is (4.808± 0.1656) N/m

DYNAMIC METHOD
THEORY: If a mass M is suspended from a spring of spring constant k and the
system is made to oscillate, then for small amplitudes of oscillations· (that is,
within elastic limit) along the length of the spring, the motion of the system is
simple harmonic.
PROCEDURE: 1. Suspend the spring from a rigid support. Attach a pointer and a
hook from free end.
2. Hang a hanger from the hook.
3. Set the vertical wooden scale such that the tip of the pointer comes over the
scale.
4. Note the reading of the position of the tip of the pointer on the scale. Record
the reading in loading column against zero load.
5. Gently add a slotted weight to the hanger. The pointer tip moves down.
6.Wait for the pointer tip to stop. Extend the spring to a small amplitude and
leave it and count the time for 10 complete oscillations using stop watch.
7.Note the time and repeat the process for 2 other different masses.
OBSERVATION:
S no. Mass No. of Time Time taken T2 Spring
(in g) oscillation period (in for single constant
sec) oscillation K (in
(in sec) n/m)
1. M1= 100 30 27 0.9 0.81 K1 =4.87
2. M2=150 30 33 1.1 1.21 K2=4.89
3. M3=200 30 39 1.3 1.69 K3=4.67

GRAPH:
Chart Title
250

200

150

100

Mass (in g)
50

0
0.81 1.21 1.69

Column1 Series 2 Series 3

T2

CALCULATION: If F2 is total restoring force then,


F2=-K (l + y)
Equilibrium equation Mg=-kl
y=displacement from equilibrium position
effective restoring force: F2-Mg
=-ky
Thus, equation of motion for spring set up is
M(d2y/dx2) + ky =0
(d2y/dx2) + ky/M =0 (equation of SHM)
T=2π(M/K)1/2
T2=4π2M/K
K=4π2/Slope (slope=T2/M)

ERROR CALCULATION: = +
Where = error in calculation of spring constant
= least count of weighing machine that is 1 g

=least count of stopwatch that is 1 sec


=0.229, =0.181, ∆ 3=0.143
+ +
=
3
∆ =0.184
RESULT: (K1+K2+K3)/3
The value of spring constant is 4.81±0.184 N/M
PRECAUTIONS: 1. Loading and unloading of weight must be done gently.
2. Reading should be noted only when tip of pointer comes to rest.
3. Pointer tip should not touch the scale surface.
4. Loading should not be beyond elastic limit.
SOURCES OF ERROR: 1. The support may not be rigid.
2. The slotted weights may not have correct weight.

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