The aim of this investigation is to examine the effect on the spring constant placing 2 identical springs in parallel and series combination has and how the resultant spring constants of the parallel and series spring sets compare.
Spring Constant of Springs in Series and Parallel AS Physics Coursework By Malcolm Davis Planning The aim of this investigation is to examine the effect on the spring constant placing 2 identical springs in parallel and series combination has and how the resultant spring constants of the parallel and series spring sets compare to that of a lone spring with identical spring constant. Hypothesis Hooke's Law states that "The magnitude of the spring constant (k) is equal to the stretching force applied (F) divided by the resultant extension (x)", it should be possible to determine a spring constant for each spring set. Due to existing knowledge of springs I propose that the series spring set will have a lower spring constant (and hence due to Hooke's Law display a greater extension) than the parallel spring set. Also, as Hooke's Law is a linear function, the spring constant of the series spring set should be exactly half that of a single spring, whereas the spring constant of the parallel set should be exactly double that of the single spring. This also means that if the resulting extension or spring length of the spring sets are graphed along a y axis with the increasing force mapped to the x axis (so that the results can be displayed in a traditional scientific graph fashion), the gradient will be the inverse of the spring constant. This hypothesis is backed up by many
Characteristics of Ohmic and non-Ohmic Conductors.
Characteristics of Ohmic and non-Ohmic Conductors Some atoms contain loosely attached electrons. These electrons can be made to move easily from one atom to another. When these electrons move freely along a path, a current of electricity is created. Electrons can only flow freely in materials that conduct electricity. A Conductor of electricity is a substance that allows electricity to flow through it. Substances that do not conduct electricity are knows as Insulators. All metals are good conductors because inside them they have a large number of free electrons that can move easily from atom to atom. Insulators do not have free electrons inside them. Current is the flow of free electrons through a conductor in one particular direction. Current is also calculated by the amount of charges transferred per second. For current to flow, we need a cell to exert a force and provide energy. The Current flowing in a circuit depends on the cells ability to give energy. Voltage is the energy given by the cell per charge. Another factor that affects current is Resistance. As electrons pass through the conductor they encounter collisions with atoms or ions. Electrons lose their energy and the atoms gain. The atoms vibrate with more amplitude for a while, till it emits the extra energy as heat. The 1862, George Ohm discovered that the current flowing through a metal wire is proportional to
Sensors cwk. The aim of this coursework is to construct a potential divider circuit with a light dependent resistor (LDR), and observe how light intensity affects the voltage output
Contents Page Aim ...........................................................................................1 Hypothesis ...................................................................................1 Science .....................................................................................1-4 Preliminary Experiment ..................................................................5-6 Method ....................................................................................7-8 Results and Graphs ....................................................................9-10 Analysis of Results .......................................................................11 Inverse Square Law ...................................................................12-13 Response Time ............................................................................14 Evaluation .................................................................................15 Conclusion ................................................................................16 Bibliography ..............................................................................17 Aim: The aim of this coursework is to construct a potential divider circuit with a light dependent resistor (LDR), and observe how light intensity affects the voltage output. Furthermore, I will have to calibrate the sensor which is
To investigate the effects of two different variables on a solar cell output.
Solar Cell Investigation Planning Aim: To investigate the effects of two different variables on a solar cell output. Solar cell information: The solar cells that are on calculators and satellites are photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules, which are basically a group of cells, which are electrically connected and packaged in one frame. Photovoltaics, are made up of two words: photo = light, voltaic = electricity, and therefore you can deduce that they convert light into electricity. These PV cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon. When the light strikes the cell, a certain amount of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely and therefore producing a current. PV cells also all have one or more electric fields that act to force electrons freed by light absorption, to flow in a certain direction. By placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, you can draw that current off to use externally. E.g. the current can power a calculator. This current, together with the cell's voltage defines the power that the solar cell can produce. (P=IV) When light, in the form of photons, hits our solar cell, its energy frees electron-hole pairs. Each photon with enough energy will
Choosing a light source
Choosing a light source Task 1: Domestic * Filament light . Coiled tungsten filaments are the metal wires that glow brightly when electricity flows through them. 2. Connecting wires are the wires that carry electricity from the bulb's electrical contact to the filament. 3. Electrical contacts - the metallic base of the bulb, which connects to the electrical contacts of the lamp when the bulb is in the lamp. 4. Glass envelope - the thin layer of glass that surrounds the light bulb mechanism and the inert gases. 5. Glass fuse enclosure - glass that insulates the bulb's fuses - located in the stem of the bulb. 6. Mixture of inert gases at low pressures - the bulb is filled with inert (non-reactive) gases. 7. Screw cap - the threaded base of the bulb that secures it to a lamp. 8. Support wires - wires that physically hold up the filament. Incandescent lamps or bulbs are the most commonly used type of lighting. When electric charge passes through any component with electrical resistance, electrical energy is transformed into heat energy. The Filament gets so hot (white hot) that it gives off light. Almost all of the electrical energy is converted into heat rather than light. Standard incandescent bulbs only last about a thousand hours and must be regularly replaced. Incandescent lamps are most suitable for areas where lighting is used infrequently and for
The physics involved with a rollercoaster.
Introduction As part of my physics investigation into the physics involved with a rollercoaster I was given the privilege to see some live rollercoaster's at work in Thorpe Park. Although at the end I chose a ride which was not a strictly a rollercoaster; however it did have some key aspects and physics of a normal rollercoaster. I decided to investigate two rides; these were the 'Detonator' and the 'Tidal wave'. Out of the two I decided to base my investigation on the 'Tidal wave'. This ride had more key aspects of physics involved and seemed more plausible for such an investigation in order to gain a stimulus, development and a detailed/analysed conclusion and evaluation. The physics principles of roller coasters haven't changed much since the original roller coasters. "Most coaster physics comes from Isaac Newton's law of motion. Roller-coaster designs rely on the acceleration caused by forces to make a roller coaster ride both thrilling and safe." (According to the Hyper coaster) The most important factor in designing roller coasters is how to balance out these forces. For example, a large up-force may cause you to faint because your heart can not pump enough blood to your head so balancing the forces is key. Roller-coasters are a small car lifted or driven to the highest point of the track. When set free it starts rolling down under the force of gravity, and then goes
An Experiment To Examine the Effect of Springs In Parallel
AN EXPERIMENT TO EXAMINE THE EFFECT OF SPRINGS IN PARALLEL I am going to set up an experiment to see what happens to the extension of springs that are all the same size and material in parallel. I will use identical springs and in parallel they will look like this: I am going to add on springs in parallel (see above) to a fixed load and examine what effect this has to the extension of the springs. The load that will be kept the same throughout the experiment will also be kept at mid-point of all springs. EXTENSION will be the increase in length compared to the original length with no force applied. The extensions will tell me what is happening to the length of the springs when there are more springs to support a fixed load. PREDICTION I predict that as I add on springs in parallel to a fixed load like so: the extension of the springs will decrease. A metal spring is made up of molecules. Between these molecules are attractive forces like so: When we add a load (N) to the spring the length of the spring increases, (it stretches) and therefore becomes weaker. The force pulling the spring is pulling on each molecule inside it. The force, acting on the molecules, makes them pull away from each other. When this happens the resultant force decreases and the spring extends. (Found information for last sentence in a revision text book) When we add on more springs, in
In this report I will start by exploring the history of the Computerised Tomography (CT) scanner and the technological advances which have made this type of medical imaging one of the most successful in its field. In addition, I will give a detailed expla
Content Page Page Title Page Number Aim.................................................................................................2 History.............................................................................................2-3 Principles and Components of CT. Gantry............................................................................................4-5 X-ray tube..........................................................................................5 Three-phase generator.............................................................................6 Gantry. Collimator...........................................................................................7 Filter..............................................................................................7-8 Detector..............................................................................................8 Image formation. Formation..........................................................................................9 CT image..............................................................................................10 Image reconstruction........................................................................10-11 Advances. Advances and Slip
Using an LDR to detect the intensity of plane polarised light allowed through a Polaroid.
Physics Coursework Using an LDR to detect the intensity of plane polarised light allowed through a Polaroid. Physics Coursework Using an LDR to detect the intensity of plane polarised light allowed through a Polaroid. PLAN Aim This coursework has two major aims. The former is to detect the intensity of plane polarised light let through a Polaroid as I rotate it. However, my main aim of this coursework is to detect the effectiveness of using an LDR as a sensor to measure this intensity, and hence its effectiveness at measuring the angle between two polaroids. Method Circuit Diagram The way that I will accomplish this is by using the following circuits: The circuit on the right is just a simple 12V DC power supply, with a light bulb connected to it. This will be the light source whose intensity we will be measuring. The circuit on the right is the sensor. There is an LDR, which is connected in series with a voltmeter and a variable resistor, which are then connected to each other in parallel. As light intensity increases, the resistance of the LDR will decrease. Thus, since the resistance of the variable resistor will remain constant, the ratio of potential differences will increase and cause a higher voltage being read across the voltmeter. To put this mathematically: Reading Across voltmeter for E.M.F ???resistance of LDR R, and resistance of variable resistor r
What factors affect the period of a Baby Bouncer?
OBJECTIVE: To examine what factors determine the period of each oscillation: * How does the Bouncer's performance depend on the size of the baby? * What effect has the sort of support on the bounce? DIAGRAMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE SYSTEM: The oscillation pattern of such a mass-spring system can be characterised as a harmonic oscillator. CONSIDERATION OF THE THINGS WHICH CAN BE CHANGED IN SUCH AN OSCILLATING SYSTEM: The things which can be changed in such a system that will impact the period of each oscillation are: * The mass of the baby (load) * The material which the spring support is composed of * The length of the spring support * The stiffness of the spring support * The strength of the spring support * The thickness of the spring support * The amplitude [Whether the baby bounces up and down in a vertical manner or whether he or she imparts a rotational motion or forward/backward motion will have some impact on the oscillation period]. The above points are called variables and experiments could be conducted to investigate the effect of changes in each variable (whether absolute, such as changing the material of the spring support, or progressive, such as the addition of progressively large masses to the spring support to determine its elasticity.) In order to perform each series of experiments it would be necessary to keep all of the other components
