PAG 2

Question 1

What is the equioment required for the spring practical?

Answer 1

Spring
Mass Hanger
Masses
Clamp stand, clamp, boss
Metre ruler.

Question 2

How do you carry out the springs practical?

Answer 2

1. Set up clamp, clamp, boss and suspend spring from clamp and secure ruler behind spring.
2. Ensuring eye-level with bottom of spring, measure initial displacement of spring.
3. Attach mass holder to bottom of spring.
4. Ensuring eye-level with bottom of spring, measure new displacement of spring and record extension of spring.
5. Add more mass to mass hanger – measure and record extension.
6. Unload spring and repeat measurements.

Question 3

How can you calculate spring constant from a force extension graph?

Answer 3

Calculate the gradient.

Question 4

What is the area under the force extension graph equal to?

Answer 4

Work done on the spring to extend it by a certain amount.

Question 5

PAG 2 Key Points

Answer 5

Straight ruler
Parallax
Goggles needed
Zero error
Students plotting F vs L instead of F vs x

Question 6

Risk assessment?

Answer 6

If the spring breaks, the end of it can fly up and cause injury - wear goggles.

Question 7

What is special about the force extension graph?

Answer 7

Force is plotted on the y axis and extension is on the x axis (usually independent variable is on the x axis)