RP6 - Force Extension Flashcards

1
Q

Outline the basic steps of the practical.

A
  1. Hang a spring from a clamp stand alongside a metre rule
  2. Measure the spring’s initial length
  3. Add weights in intervals of 10N and record the extension
  4. Plot a graph of extension against force
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2
Q

What piece of apparatus is used to secure the clamp stand to the desk and why?

A

● A G-Clamp, so that the clamp doesn’t tip over whilst adding masses
● The clamp produces a moment which counteracts the moment caused by the masses so the stand remains in equilibrium

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3
Q

How do you calculate the extension of the spring when you add masses?

A

Subtract the extended length of the spring from the original unstretched length.

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4
Q

What can you add to the spring to ensure that the extension measurements are accurate?

A

A pointer (eg. a splint) attached horizontally to the base of the spring and extending to the metre rule. This will make reading the length easier.

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5
Q

What piece of safety equipment should be used throughout this experiment and why?

A

Safety glasses should be worn in case of the spring breaking or becoming unattached and damaging your eyes.

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6
Q

What other safety precautions should be taken?

A

You should avoid standing with your feet underneath where the weights are hanging in case they fall, and wear appropriate footwear.

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7
Q

What graph should you plot with your results? What would you expect it to look like?

A

Extension against force (weight). You would expect it to be a straight line passing through the origin. The variables should be directly proportional.

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8
Q

What is the name of the relationship between extension and force? State the relevant equation.

A

Hooke’s Law.

Force = Spring Constant x Extension

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9
Q

What type of energy is stored in the spring as it is stretched?

A

Elastic Potential Energy

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10
Q

What equation can be used to calculate the elastic potential stored in the spring?

A

Elastic Potential Energy = 0.5 x Spring Constant x Extension^2

E = 1⁄2 x k x e^2

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11
Q

How can the elastic potential stored in the spring be worked out graphically?

A

The stored energy is equal to the area under the force/extension graph.

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12
Q

How can you use your apparatus and graph to work out the weight of an unknown object?

A
  1. Hang the object on the spring and record the extension it produces
  2. Draw a line from that extension on your graph until it meets your plotted line and then read off the corresponding weight
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