Investigating forces on two bodies

Aim:

To Investigate the difference in tension between springs when using 2 springs to hold 2 weights

To illustrate whether putting all the weight on one spring instead of spreading it out on 2 makes a difference on the extension produced

Setting up the equipment:

The equipment was set up as shown in the photo below. A clamp and stand were used to support a metre ruler. A spring of known mass was suspended from a separate clamp and stand using a string.

Method:

1. An initial reading was taken when only the mass hanger (which weighs 50g) was suspended from the spring. 2. A total of 55g of mass was then carefully slotted onto the hanger and the reading was recorded. This is because the second hanger has a mass of 50g and the 2nd spring weighed in at 5g. 3. The 55g mass was removed and a separate spring of known mass was suspended onto the first spring. 4. The 2nd hanger of mass 50g was added to the second spring to give 110g in total (55g 1st hanger and 55g second hanger + spring) and the reading was recorded. 5. The results were recorded as shown below. Results:

Inital reading: 53.8cm 1st spring: 55g mass = 55cm (extension a = 1.2cm) 1st spring: 110g mass = 56.7cm (extension b = 2.9cm) 1st spring: 55g mass + 2nd spring: total of 55g mass = 56.7cm (extension c = 2.9cm = extension b)

Precautions:

A 5g weight was added on the first hanger to compensate for the weight of the spring.

Some time was allowed for the system to stop oscillating before the reading was taken.

Readings were taken at eye level.

Sources of error:

A pointer could have been used to help read the scale on the ruler. One can improve the accuracy of their measurements by clamping the metre ruler in place and then using a set square to make the length/extension measurement.

One can also use the set square to make sure that the clamped ruler is vertical in relation to the bench or set the clamped ruler at 0 cm when no masses are added and so read the extension directly. This procedure helps them avoid simple mistakes that arise when measuring lengths and then calculating extensions.

These refinements provide good illustrations of improving an experimental method.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that there is double the tension on the first spring than in the second since the extension in the first spring was double than that of the second. It was also concluded that on adding all weight (110g) to the first spring, the tension is equal to that of distributing the weights (55g + 55g) onto two springs.

Photos