Investigating Springs - PRACTICAL Flashcards
Forces (16 cards)
What is the formula to calculate the weight of a mass?
W = mg
Where W is weight, m is mass, and g is acceleration due to gravity.
What is the purpose of a pilot experiment in this context?
To check if the masses are a good size for the main experiment.
What should you do if a mass causes a bigger increase in extension than previous masses?
Use smaller masses or you won’t get enough measurements for your graph.
How should the natural length of the spring be measured?
With a millimetre ruler clamped to the stand, at eye level.
What does the extension of the spring represent?
The change in length after a mass is added.
How many measurements should be taken for the experiment?
No fewer than 8.
What indicates a linear relationship between force and extension?
A straight line on the force-extension graph.
What does the gradient of the straight line in a force-extension graph represent?
The spring constant, k.
What happens to the relationship between force and extension when the line begins to bend?
It becomes non-linear; the spring stretches more for each unit increase in force.
What is the formula for the energy stored in a spring?
E = 1/2 ke^2
Where E is elastic potential energy, k is the spring constant, and e is the extension.
What does the area under the force-extension graph represent?
The work done in stretching or compressing the spring.
What is elastic potential energy?
The energy stored in a spring when it is deformed.
True or False: The spring can be stretched past its limit of proportionality without affecting the relationship.
False.
What is the significance of the limit of proportionality in the context of springs?
It is the point beyond which the spring does not return to its original shape.
Fill in the blank: The extension of a spring is measured in _______.
meters.
What should be done to check if the spring returns to its original shape?
Remove each mass temporarily and check the spring.
