Hooke's Law Intro and data processing

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Natalie Satterfield

February 14, 2012

Hooke's Law Lab

Introduction

In this lab, the spring constant within a specific spring will be calculated using a ruler and force sensor to measure the length of a spring and the force exerted by the spring at that length.

According to Hooke's Law, we know that the extension of a spring (x) is proportional to the force it exerts by the equation:

F = kx

Various forces will be measured according to their corresponding lengths and the data will be graphed on a force vs. extension graph to determine the spring constant for the particular spring used. The slope of the force vs. extension graph is equal to the spring constant, k.

                                                

                                                y = mx + b

        F = kx

        m = k

        b = 0 (at 0 extension, force is 0)

                                                

DATA COLLECTION AND PROCESSING

Raw Data:

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Processed Data:

Sample Calculations:

Extension:

= (Length After Extension) - (Length Before Extension)

= 4.85 - 3.85

= 1.0 cm

Extension Uncertainty:

= Length After Extension Uncertainty + Length Before Extension Uncertainty

= 0.05 + 0.05

= 0.1 cm

Average Force:

= (Trial 1 Force + Trial 2 Force + Trial 3 Force) / 3

= (0.490 + 0.458 + 0.491) / 3

= 0.480 N

Average Force Uncertainty:

= (Maximum Force - Minimum Force) / 2

= (0.491 - 0.458) / 2

= 0.02 N

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