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Elasticity Lab

The Elasticity Lab aimed to investigate the relationship between force and elongation, as well as the equivalent k-constant and the sum of k-constants. The results indicated that force is directly proportional to elongation, and the equivalent k-constant is directly proportional to the sum of k-constants, both supported by linear graph appearances. Error analysis revealed percent errors of 12.5% and 35% for the slopes of the respective graphs, attributed to human measurement errors.

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3 views

Elasticity Lab

The Elasticity Lab aimed to investigate the relationship between force and elongation, as well as the equivalent k-constant and the sum of k-constants. The results indicated that force is directly proportional to elongation, and the equivalent k-constant is directly proportional to the sum of k-constants, both supported by linear graph appearances. Error analysis revealed percent errors of 12.5% and 35% for the slopes of the respective graphs, attributed to human measurement errors.

Uploaded by

114827
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Elasticity Lab Yusef Chang

Dylan O’connor
Deshawn Hairston

Purpose: To determine the relationship between force and elongation, and equivalent k-
constant and sum of k-constant. (parallel)

Apparatus and procedure: Springs, dual force sensor, poles, Labquest mini, Laptop, meter
stick.

Procedure:

Part 1: determine the relationship between force and elongation.


1. Connect the spring onto a vertical pole horizontally.
2. Connect the dual force sensor to the other end of the spring (where you will be
stretching it)
3. Have your laptop connected to the force sensor to collect the force data.
4. Start stretching the string and measure the displacement where you pull it from. (Have
a meter stick to measure the total displacement)
a. calculate the the total force for every trial (displayed on laptop)
b. You should increase the displacement by one centimeter each trial.until you’ve
obtained twelve trials.
5. After collecting the data, plot the data onto a graph in logger pro.
6. If necessary optimize the graph to obtain a linear fit.
7. Analyze the graph to determine the relationship between force and elongation.
Part 2: determine the relationship between equivalent k constant and sum of k constant.
1. Connect one spring horizontally to a horizontal pole with a dual force sensor attached.
2. Have the dual force sensor connect to a laptop that displays the force.
3. Connect the other end of the spring to a stationary horizontal pole.
4. You may advance and pull the string away from the stationary pole at an equal
distance for each trial.
a. In each trial you will add an additional spring to the horizontal pole with the
dual force sensor. (calculate the total sum of k-constants for each trial)
b. To find the equivalent k-constant for each trial, you must use the total force
found on the laptop divided by the distance you pulled the string (should be the same for each
trial).
c. Continue collecting data until you’ve used up your total springs or have
collected twelve trials.
5. After collecting the data, plot the data onto a graph in logger pro.
6. If necessary optimize the graph to obtain a linear fit.
7. Analyze the graph to determine the relationship between equivalent k-constant and
sum of k-constants.

Data:
Constants: Spring constant which was 3.4 for part 2, and the total distance the springs
were stretched (1cm for part 1 and 15cm for part 2).

Part 1: Part 2:

Evaluation of Data:

Part 1:
This data gives a linear appearance.
F=16.68(N/m)E+0.1194 (N)

Part 2:

This data gives a linear appearance.


KE=1.351(N/m/N/m)KS-1.487 (N/m)

Conclusion:
In conclusion of this laboratory activity, I would claim the relationship between force and
elongation as the following:
Force is directly proportional to elongation.
Evidence for this can be found in the force vs. elongation graph as you can see the linear
appearance of the graph. The reason this evidence supports the claim is due to the fact that a
linear graph showcases a proportion between the variables, and in this instance, force and
elongation.
Also it can be claimed that the relationship between equivalent k-constant and sum of k-
constant as the following:
Equivalent k-constant is directly proportional to the sum of the k-constant.
Evidence for this can be found in the equivalent k-constant and sum of k-constant graph as you
can see the linear appearance of the graph. The reason this evidence supports the claim is due
to the fact that a linear graph showcases a proportion between the variables, and in this
instance, equivalent k-constant and sum of the k-constant.
From the two mathematical models, a general equation can be determined from each one.
The first general equation is: F= -kx
Where F represents the force exerted by the spring, k represents the spring constant, and x
represents the elongation (displacement).
In general, the slope represents the spring constant which is the total stiffness of the spring
(measured in N/m). You are able to change the slope by using a different type of spring. Maybe
one that is more stretchy or stiff, the more stiff, the higher the spring constant.
In general, the y intercept represents the amount of force applied to the spring when the
elongation equals zero.

The second equation is: Keq= K1 + K2 + K3 +...


Where Keq represents the equivalent k-constant and K1, K2, & K3 representing the k-constant
of each spring.
In general, the slope represents the addition of the spring constants which would equal to 1.
This is because the k equivalent will always equal the sum of the k constants in parallel. You
won’t be able to change the slope as the total k-constant will always be equivalent to the added
spring’s k-constant.
In general, the y intercept represents the k-constant when zero springs are connected.

Error Analysis:
In discussing the results of our experiment it was determined that the slope of the force vs.
elongation graph was 16.68 and the slope for the k equivalent vs. sum of k-constants graph was
1.351. The actual slopes of the graph should’ve been 15 for the force vs elongation graph and 1
for the k equivalent vs. sum of k-constants graph. In calculating the percent error we found that
the slope of the force vs elongation graph was off by 12.5%. The slope for the k equivalent vs.
sum of k-constants graph was off by 35%. The % error calculations support the agreement of
both experimental values with the actual values of the slope.
Any error in the lab can be attributed to human error in measuring the total displacement of
the springs.

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