PME0016

MECHANICS

EXPERIMENT
HOOKE S LAW
1 Objectives of the experiment
To determine the springs constant, k, of a given spring by using two different
experimental methods that are based on Hookes Law and time period of oscillations
of a vertically oriented mass-spring system.
2 Learning outcome
After performing this experiment, you should be able to:
(1) Linearise Hookes law.
(2) Linearise the equation of time period of oscillation for a vertically oriented massspring system.
(3) Plot a suitable graph for the two methods and demonstrate how the spring
constant, k, can be obtained from each graph.
(4) Determine the average value of the two spring constants, kave, based on the two
graphs plotted.
(5) Justify the accuracy of the kave under the situation where the true value is not
known.
3 Theory
3.1 Elasticity of material
All material objects have the characteristic of being rigid or elastic (nonrigid). The property of stretching or compressing under the influence of a force is
known as Elasticity. An object remains stretched or compressed only as long as the
force persists and when it is withdrawn, the object returns to its original shape. All
materials, no matter how rigid, are elastic. They will stretch or compress when a
sufficiently large force is applied to them and will return to its original shapes when
the force is withdrawn. The role of the strength of force is not immediately obvious
and we tend to think that elasticity is a property of a so-called elastic objects only.
Thus, for routine business, only things like rubber bands, springs and stretched
surfaces (like those of drums, trampoline etc.) are elastic. Things like walls, concrete
floors, road surfaces, on the other hand, are deemed inelastic and are commonly
known as rigid objects. Scientifically speaking, however, all objects are elastic. As
mentioned above, some objects exhibit elastic property when a small force is applied
to them while others require the application of much larger force for the elastic
properties to be noticeable.
3.2 Determination of k based on Hookes law
Hookes law relates to the property elasticity of matter, as described above.
According to Hookes findings, the force required to stretch or compress an object is
not a constant force. For example, if it takes a force of 10 N to stretch a spring by 1
cm, then we will need a force of 20 N to stretch it by 20 cm; or 50 N to stretch by 5
cm. These leads to:
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F x .....(1)
Introducing a constant k we get:

F kx .....(2)
The constant k is known by several names: force constant; Hookes law
constant, elastic constant, spring constant, stiffness constant etc. The unit is N/m.
The applied force gives rise to a reaction force exerted by the elastic object
on the agency that is exerting the applied force in the place. When we stretch a rubber
band, we feel a pressure on our fingers. This is the reaction force. It developed in the
elastic object and is called restoring force, F. It is directed towards the mean
position of the elastic object (i.e. opposite its deformation) and we write:

F ' kx .....(3)

Figure 1 : Hookes law apparatus

We shall choose a coiled spring as the elastic object for the experiment. It will
be suspended from a vertical support and a mass hanger will be attached to it, at its
lower end. The equation (2) matches the equation of a straight line in the form y = mx
+ c, directly. The comparison prompts us to select different values of x and for each
find the corresponding values of the weight force Fg experimentally. However,
matching each centimeter increase of x requires a gradual increase of masses (thus
weight) which is rather difficult practically since masses available in the laboratory
are all having standard values. Due to this reason, equation (2) is rearranged as

1
Fg ...(4)
k

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and now matching it to the equation of straight line (y = mx + c) prompts us to set

different values of Fg (the independent variable) and for each find the corresponding
values of the x (the dependent variable). A graph of x against Fg will yield a straight
line of slope 1/k, where the required springs constant can be determined.
3.3 Determination of k based on vertical oscillation of mass-spring system
An elastic object may be set into simple harmonic oscillations, quite like those
of simple pendulum. Even though all elastic objects will oscillate, we shall
demonstrate the phenomenon for a coil spring, in the vertical mode. A reasonable
weight force is applied to the spring (by placing some mass on the weight holder) to
stretch it by few centimeters; as shown in Figure (4-2b). This is the new position of
rest or the mean position of the spring. We then pull it manually downward, by a
couple of centimeters as shown in Figure (4-2c). When released gently, the spring
oscillates about the mean position. The extreme positions of oscillations are shown in
Figure (4-2c) and (4-2d). The time of one oscillation is called the time period T,
expressed in seconds.

Figure 2: Vertical oscillation of a spring

The amplitude of oscillation A is shown by double headed arrows. Mathematical
analysis shows that:

T 2

m
.....(5)
k

This equation does not match the equation for a straight line. In an effort to reshape it,
we shall try taking logs. Separating the constants we get:

2
k

m .....(6)
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Taking logs, we obtain:

1
2
log T log

log m .....(7)

2
k
Equation (7) matches the equation for a straight line in the form y = mx + b. We are
prompted to treat m as the independent variable and select different values for it. We
are further prompted to find the time period of oscillation T for each m. The spring
can be set into oscillations using the technique described above and the experiment
can be performed. A plot of log T against log m is expected to yield a straight line
graph of slope of 0.50 and a y-axis intercept of log 2 / k . The value of the elastic

constant k can be extracted from the y-intercept.

3.4

Determination of the effective mass of a spring meff based on vertical

oscillation of mass-spring system

One disadvantage of the vertical position is that the spring itself is active and
adds to the mass placed on the holder in some complicated manner. Consider dividing
the spring into two halves. The mass of the lower half will exert a force on the upper
half. But if we divide it into three parts then the mass of the lower two-thirds pull will
exert a weight force on the upper one-third of the spring. We may also say that the
lower two-thirds pull on the upper one-third of the spring, etc. mathematical
considerations lead us to an estimate: the effective mass of the spring that pulls on the
spring is approximately one-third the mass of the spring. One should, therefore, add a
third of the mass of the spring to the suspended masses. Writing meff for the fraction
of the mass of the spring that pulls on the spring, we get:

T 2

Using equation (8): T 2

m meff
k

seconds .....(8)

m meff

k
This equation does not match the equation for a straight line. Because of the
distributed mass (under the radical sign) in the numerator, we cannot use the
technique of taking logs. The following is the brute force method for forcing
equation (8) to match the equation of a straight line.
Square both sides to get rid of the radical in the numerator:

m meff
T 2 4 2

Open the parentheses and separate the constants, we get (meff is also constant):

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4 2 meff
k

4 2
m ..(9)
k

Equation (9) now matches the equation of a straight line y = mx + c. We are

prompted to treat m as an independent variable and select different values for it. We
are further prompted to find the time period for oscillation T for each m. It is obvious
that no new data is required. We shall use the data obtained for the previous part to
plot another graph as per equation (8). Plotting T2 against m, we expect to get a slope
of magnitude 42/ k. We shall find our third value of the elastic constant k from the
slope of this graph.
Can we find meff from the graph? Theoretically, it is possible. Plug in the value
of k as found here (or its average value) in the y-intercept and solve for meff. It should
be understood however, that finding meff is not as easy as it appears here. This is
because finding a very small mass (a few grams) in a cluster of very large masses
(several hundred grams) is not entirely logical. It is easy to see that meff can very
easily hide in the accepted margin of errors for this experiment.
The rationale for attempting to find meff is that we have all the ingredients for
calculating it. So why not try? If we get a sensible value, well and good. If not, we
should not be disappointed.
4 Apparatus required/Equipment needed
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)

A spring
A piece of wire as the pointer
Mass-holder and slotted masses
Photogate timer
Photogate
Meter ruler
Retort stand, clamp and top bar with hooks
A digital balance

5 Procedures
Determination of spring constant k from extension [By using equation (4)]
1.
Find the mass of the spring m with the digital (weighing) balance.
2.
Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure 4-1 above without the metre ruler,
making sure that the spring and mass-holder are in a vertical position.
3.
Measure the length of the spring without anything hanging from it. This is the
original length of the spring l0. Record the length. You will need this to find
the extension later.
4.
Place the mass-holder and enough slotted masses on the spring until the spring
elongates by a few millimeters. Measure the length of the spring now (l). The
extension of the spring is the difference between its original length and after
the mass holder and slotted masses are added.
5.
Determine the composite mass which is the total mass of mass-holder and the
slotted masses you put on the mass-holder. Record this in the Table 4-1.
6.
Next, add same additional amount of slotted masses on the mass-holder so
that the spring will elongate another few more millimeters. Measure and
record the extension and the corresponding composite mass in the table.
Repeat this step with the same additional slotted masses until twelve readings
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are obtained. Convert these composite masses (in kg) to weight F (in N) using
F = mg and record these in Table 3-1.
Determination of spring constant k [By using equation (7)] and effective mass of
spring meff [By using equation (9)] using period of a mass-spring system
1.
Hang the spring onto the hook at the top of the retort stand.
2.
Set the photogate timer to the Pendulum mode. In this mode, the timer will
record the time for one complete oscillation of the spring.
3.
Composite masses of m1, m2, , m12, are to be placed on the mass-holder.
Students are to determine 12 suitable composite masses for 12 trials.
4.
To trigger the photogate, attach a pointer (a piece of wire) securely on the
loaded spring. Coil the pointer around the spring.
5.
Adjust the position of the photogate such that the pointer on the loaded spring
cuts through the infrared beam of the photogate when the loaded spring is at
rest.
6.
Press the Reset button on the photogate timer each time before the loaded
spring is set into oscillation. To set the spring into oscillation, pull the massholder downwards slightly and release gently. Make sure the pointer oscillates
within the window of the photogate.
7.
Place the first suitable composite mass on the spring and set the spring in
oscillation. A suitable composite mass will make the spring oscillate
smoothly, otherwise adjust the mass accordingly. As the spring oscillates, the
photogate timer measures the period T. Record the period T in Table 4-2.
8.
Continue with the next the suitable composite masses. As long as the period
shows some difference, you should not add too much mass to the previous one
to get the next suitable composite mass. Repeat steps (5), (6) & (7) each time
with the same amount of additional mass and record the corresponding period
in Table 3-2. The position of the pointer will change for different suitable
masses. Remember to adjust the photogates position accordingly to align
with the pointer.

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NAME
GROUP NO

STUDENT ID

EXPERIMENT
HOOKES LAW
ANSWER BOOK
Data and Analysis
Determination of spring constant k from extension [By using equation (4)]
(a)

Mass of the spring, m =

=

(b)

(i)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

No

g
kg

l0 = ______________ cm
Convert x from centimeters (cm) to meters (m).
Convert M to kilogram (kg).
When calculating F, M must be in kilogram.

Length of spring, l
(cm)

Extension,
x = l - l0 (m)

Composite
mass, M (kg)

F =Mg (N)
(g = 9.8 m/s2)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Table 1: Determining k from extension
(iv) Plot x (m) on y-axis and F (N) on the x-axis.
Draw a best fit straight line and find the reciprocal of the slope (gradient).
This is k in Nm1.
From the graph, the reciprocal of the slope =

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Determination of spring constant k [By using equation (7)]

(a)

(i)
(ii)

Convert all composite masses from grams (g) to kilograms (kg).

When finding log M, M is in kg.

Composite
mass, M (g)

No

Composite
mass, M (kg)

Period
T (s)

log T

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Table 2: Determining k using the period of a spring-mass system
(b)

(i)

Plot log T on the y-axis and log M on the x-axis.

Draw a best fit straight line and find its slope and y-intercept.
The value of the slope:

The value of the y-intercept:

(ii)

What is the expected value (theoretical value) of the slope?

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log M

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(iii) From the y-intercept, find the value of k.

The value of k:

Determination of spring constant k and effective mass of spring meff using period
of a mass-spring system [By using equation (9)]
(a)

Find T2 for all T values and fill up Table 4-3 below.

No

T2 (s2)

M (kg)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Table 3: Determining k using equation (9)
(i)

Plot T2 on the y-axis and M on the x-axis.

Draw a best fit straight line and find its slope and y-intercept.
The value of the slope:

The value of the y-intercept:

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(ii)

MECHANICS

From the slope which equals (42/k), find a third value of k.

The value of k:

(iii) Find the average (mean) of all the three values of k found so far. Call it
kave.
The average value of k, kave =

(v)

From the y-intercept of the graph which equals (42meff)/k, find the value
of meff using kave as k.
The value of meff :

(vi) Calculate (meff/m) where m is the mass of the spring, found in (a) above.
The value of

meff
m'

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What is the expected value (theoretical) of

meff

? Thus, calculate the

m'
percentage difference of your calculated value of this ratio from the
expected value.

Discussion

Conclusion

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