Springs Practical and Hooke's Law Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on the Paper 2 Springs practical and Hooke's law notes.

Aim of the Springs Experiment

To determine the spring constant/stiffness for a spring.

Hooke's Law Formula

$F = ke$, where $F$ is force in newtons ($\text{N}$), $k$ is the spring constant in newtons per metre ($\text{N/m}$), and $e$ is extension in metres ($\text{m}$).

Independent Variable (Springs Practical)

Force.

Dependent Variable (Springs Practical)

Extension.

Control Variable (Springs Practical)

Using the same spring.

Methods to Reduce Parallax Error

Position the ruler as close to the spring as possible and view the measurement at eye level.

Force from Weight Formula

$F = mg$, used to calculate force/tension from the slotted masses added on a hanger.

Force against Extension Relationship

A directly proportional relationship that is linear and passes through the origin.

Gradient of LOBF (Force vs. Extension Graph)

Equals the spring constant, measured in $\text{N/m}$ or $\text{N/cm}$ depending on the units used.

Springs Practical Apparatus and Graph

The apparatus setup with a spring on a retort stand alongside a ruler and slotted masses, and the force versus extension graph showing gradient equal to the spring constant.