Investigating the Vertical Oscillations of a Loaded Spring.

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Investigating the Vertical Oscillations of a Loaded Spring

Aims:

The aim of this investigation is to find the elastic constant of the spring under study. The elastic constant of material is always useful to know and in some cases vital. For instance the elastic constant of a bungee rope is vital. It will tell the operator of the ride by how much the bungee rope will extend, using Hookes law (F=kx), and so how far the rider will fall. Using this they can calibrate the ride so as the give the rider the best possible experience. Because of this the aim of this experiment is to find out through experimentation the elastic constant of a material and find out if it is the same as what is stated in the specifications of the material. The object under investigation is a metal spring.

Method:

To find the elastic constant of the spring I will attach a mass (a weight with its mass measured on the scales) to it, then stretch it to a set amount from its normal location (this being where the attachment hook rests when no other forces are applied). Doing this I will then let go and time the oscillations of the spring (one oscillation meaning leaving the starting position, passing the rest position, reaching the aphelion, then returning to the starting position, or simpler one cycle). To get an accurate measurement of period of the oscillations I will time how long it takes to reach 10 oscillations and then divide that by 10. I will do this 3 times for each mass and average the results so as to reveal and eliminate any possible errors. I will use five different masses (100g, 200g, 300g, 400g, 500g,) so as to get a full spectrum of results and ensure that I check that elastic constant does not change with mass (it should not as it is the constant of that material). Once having recorded the masses and their corresponding time periods I shall work out the elastic constant of the material in two ways, by calculation and by graph.

Variables kept Constant:

  • Spring used shall remain the same.
  • Measuring equipment used shall be the same
  • Height of the retort stand shall be the same to combat difference in observations and keep gravity constant (though in theory this should not affect the time period).
  • Observer making the readings shall remain the same so as to cut down on human error.

Variables Varied:

  • Mass on the end of the spring. I shall use the masses 100g, 200g, 300g, 400g, and 500g.
  • Details of measurements taken:
  • I shall measure the time period for 10 oscillations and then divide this by 10 to get time period per oscillation. This should hopefully improve accuracy.
  • 5 different masses recorded, repeating each mass three times to get an average, again to improve accuracy.

Apparatus:

  • Retort Stand and accompanying clamps.
  • The spring under investigation.
  • A series of weights each weighing 100g and their weight/hook hybrid counterpart allowing attachment to the spring.
  • A stopwatch or other form of accurate timer.
  • Digital Scales to measure mass (I will be using digital scales as the give a more accurate reading than a top-pan balance).
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Safety:

As I am only timing the time period of oscillations of a spring there are only a few safety measures I need to take into account. Firstly as I am using weights I will place the retort stand no where near the edge of the workbench so if the spring breaks, it minimises the chance of the weights striking my foot or other such weak object near the floor. I will also wear safety goggles, as I will be placing strain on the metal spring and if it breaks its whiplash could be very damaging. I will make sure ...

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