PAG 02.2 Investigating Springs In Series And Parallel

Question 1

What safety precaution should be taken when adding masses to a spring?

Answer 1

Safety goggles should be worn in case the spring snaps. Care should be taken to ensure that the load applied to the spring doesn’t exceed the spring’s capacity

Question 2

State Hooke’s Law in words

Answer 2

Hooke’s Law states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the load applied, up to the limit of proportionality

Question 3

Define Young’s Modulus

Answer 3

The ratio is stress to strain

Question 4

What is the difference between a spring constant and a Young modulus

Answer 4

A spring constant depends on the objects shape whereas a Young modulus is a material property so it is independent of shape

Question 5

How can the force applied by a mass be calculated?

Answer 5

The force will equal the weight of the mass
F=mg

Question 6

How do you connect springs in series?

Answer 6

Connected end to end

Question 7

How do you connect springs in parallel?

Answer 7

Side-by-side and share the load

Question 8

How do you calculate a spring’s extension?

Answer 8

Extended length-original length

Question 9

What is an elastic deformation?

Answer 9

An elastic deformation is one in which the object will reap turn to its original shape when the deforming force is removed

Question 10

What is the limit of proportionality?

Answer 10

The point beyond which the extension and load are no longer directly proportional

Question 11

Why must you ensure you don’t add too large a load to your spring configurations?

Answer 11

If the load is too high, the springs may exceed their elastic limit and deform plastically. This means Hooke’s Law will no longer apply. Excessive loads may also lead to the springs snapping

Question 12

What graph can you plot for the series arrangement?

Answer 12

A graph of extension against the number of springs can be plotted

Question 13

How can the strain be calculated for the series arrangement?

Answer 13

The strain is given by x/NL
This can be obtained by multiplying the gradient of the graph by 1/L

Question 14

How can the spring constant be calculated for springs in series?

Answer 14

The inverse sum of the inverses of the individual spring constants

Question 15

How can the spring constant be calculated for the spring in parallel?

Answer 15

The sum of the individual spring constants

Question 16

What safety precaution should be taken when hanging springs and masses from a clamp stand?

Answer 16

A counterweight or G-clamp should be added to the base of the clamp stand to provide a counter-moment and prevent toppling