What is the Relationship Between Mass Added to a Spring and the Length of a Spring?
Independent Variable: Mass of weights
Dependent Variable: Length of spring, spring strength
Constants: Gravity, Spring Durability, Weight shape.
Data Collection: Find the difference in the spring length over 5-10 variables
Initial Length: 12 cm
Mass of Weights and Corresponding measured difference in length:
10 grams (1 cm)
20 grams (2.25 cm)
50 grams (6.5 cm)
100 grams (13.5 grams)
200 grams (27 cm)
300 grams (41 cm)
400 grams (54.5 cm)
500 grams (68 cm)
800 grams (110 cm)
10 grams (1 cm)
20 grams (2.25 cm)
50 grams (6.5 cm)
100 grams (13.5 grams)
200 grams (27 cm)
300 grams (41 cm)
400 grams (54.5 cm)
500 grams (68 cm)
800 grams (110 cm)
Process:
Firstly, we measured the initial length of the spring on the arm mount to see without any additional weight what the length would be.
Second, we began to add weights starting at 10 grams to the spring and measured the total length of the spring (in cm). We then took this number and subtracted the initial length to find the difference in lengths between the resting spring and the spring with added weight. (Example: 10 grams added, 13 cm length - 12 cm initial length = 1 cm difference.) This process was repeated for all 10 data points.
Thirdly, we plugged our data points into logger pro to produce a visual representation of the relationship between added weight and spring displacement. (Pictured Above)
NOTE: For all weight values exceeding our largest weight, weights were combined to a sum equal to that value.
Firstly, we measured the initial length of the spring on the arm mount to see without any additional weight what the length would be.
Second, we began to add weights starting at 10 grams to the spring and measured the total length of the spring (in cm). We then took this number and subtracted the initial length to find the difference in lengths between the resting spring and the spring with added weight. (Example: 10 grams added, 13 cm length - 12 cm initial length = 1 cm difference.) This process was repeated for all 10 data points.
Thirdly, we plugged our data points into logger pro to produce a visual representation of the relationship between added weight and spring displacement. (Pictured Above)
NOTE: For all weight values exceeding our largest weight, weights were combined to a sum equal to that value.
Conclusion:
When looking at the graph created by the data points collected, it can be observed that the relationship from weight to spring length is linear. This means that for every gram added in weight, it is likely that it will stretch an equal amount. In terms of confidence in our results I am fairly confident. We met 2 out of the 3 requirements for a fully confident testing process. However, there was room for human error that could have effected test results. All measurements were taken with a meter stick, and recorded by eye. This could be difficult because the meter stick could not press against the spring or else it would sway and most likely have varying lengths. We took extra caution in making sure our measurements were as exact as we could, by having one person take all the measurements and having all recorded lengths start from the first coil to the last coil of the spring.
What could be improved:
In terms of testing and data collection our group was pressed for time so a small 10 data points was the only thing we could manage. If circumstances where different I would have aspired to have 15-20 data points along the same range of weights so that I could look more in depth into the actual relationship between weight and length change. Additionally I would have preferred a newer, more compact spring to make measuring difference easier. Our spring was most likely old and very weak in terms of expanding and compacting.
When looking at the graph created by the data points collected, it can be observed that the relationship from weight to spring length is linear. This means that for every gram added in weight, it is likely that it will stretch an equal amount. In terms of confidence in our results I am fairly confident. We met 2 out of the 3 requirements for a fully confident testing process. However, there was room for human error that could have effected test results. All measurements were taken with a meter stick, and recorded by eye. This could be difficult because the meter stick could not press against the spring or else it would sway and most likely have varying lengths. We took extra caution in making sure our measurements were as exact as we could, by having one person take all the measurements and having all recorded lengths start from the first coil to the last coil of the spring.
What could be improved:
In terms of testing and data collection our group was pressed for time so a small 10 data points was the only thing we could manage. If circumstances where different I would have aspired to have 15-20 data points along the same range of weights so that I could look more in depth into the actual relationship between weight and length change. Additionally I would have preferred a newer, more compact spring to make measuring difference easier. Our spring was most likely old and very weak in terms of expanding and compacting.