Question

Now measure the distance, x, for two more masses and enter your measurements in the table below. Try to estimate to the nearest 0.5 mm. Find the spring constant by solving mg = kx for k. The spring constant is a property of the spring so you should get nearly the same result each time.

Part 1: Spring Constant Background: A spring scale works because it obeys Hooke's Law: F=-kx. When you hang a weight, the spring stretches until the restoring force equals the weight. In the diagram, the spring is at rest so mg - kx = 0. Notice that the weight is proportional to how much the spring stretches. If you double the weight, the amount the spring stretches also doubles. In this part of the lab, you will find the spring constant, k, of a spring. х Procedure Open the simulation at https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/masses-and-springs- basics/latest/masses-and-springs-basics en.html F=kx Click the "Lab" In the upper left, check “Unstretched Length" and "Resting Position". F=mg You are going to hand a few different masses from the spring and measure the resulting stretch. You can change the mass using the slider in the upper left. Hang the mass on the spring and drag the ruler out from the right side. Use the ruler to measure the distance that the spring stretches (between the blue and green lines). The spring will start bouncing up and down, but you can grab it with your mouse and stop it. Mass 100 g Spring Strength 1 Small Large 50 300 Unstretched Length ✓ Resting Position Movable Line Period Trace O Velocity 0 Acceleration + Gravity 20 100 g 00:00.00