Forces 3 Flashcards
What can forces do to an object?
Forces may produce a change in the size and shape of an object.
What is the spring constant?
The spring constant is the force per unit extension of a spring.
What is the equation for the spring constant?
𝑘 = 𝐹 / 𝑥
Footnote
Where: 𝑘 = spring constant (N/m), 𝐹 = force (N), 𝑥 = extension (m)
How do you sketch, plot, and interpret a load–extension graph for an elastic solid?
- Measure the original length of the object.
- Apply increasing loads (forces) and measure the extension each time.
- Plot a graph of load (force) on the y-axis and extension on the x-axis.
- The graph is linear within the limit of proportionality, showing that the extension is directly proportional to the applied load.
What is the limit of proportionality on a load–extension graph?
The limit of proportionality is the point beyond which the extension is no longer directly proportional to the load.
How can you identify the limit of proportionality on a load–extension graph?
It is the point where the graph starts to deviate from a straight line.
How can you determine the spring constant in a practical setup?
- Setup: Suspend a spring vertically and attach a ruler beside it.
- Measure the spring’s original length without any load.
- Add known weights incrementally and measure the spring’s extended length after each addition.
- Calculate the extension by subtracting the original length from the extended length.
- Plot a graph of force (weight) against extension.
- Determine the spring constant (𝑘) as the gradient of the straight-line portion of the graph using 𝑘 = 𝐹 / 𝑥.
How do you investigate the limit of proportionality in a spring?
- Setup: Use the same apparatus as in the spring constant experiment.
- Gradually add weights to the spring while observing the extension.
- Record data until the spring stops returning to its original shape when weights are removed.
- Plot a load–extension graph.
- Identify the limit of proportionality as the point where the graph deviates from a straight line.
