Finding the force on a spring (Fs)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force exerted on a spring (Fs) using the mass of weights and the corresponding extension of the spring. The lab results indicate a non-linear relationship between the force and extension, which contradicts Hooke's Law (Fs = -kx). The user initially attempted to use Fs = mass × gravity for calculations but faced discrepancies in the expected linear graph. After identifying a potential measurement error, the user corrected the data, which should improve the analysis of the spring's behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and its application in spring mechanics
  • Basic knowledge of force calculations (Fs = mass × gravity)
  • Familiarity with graphing data and interpreting linear relationships
  • Ability to identify and correct measurement errors in experimental data
NEXT STEPS
  • Review Hooke's Law and its implications for spring force calculations
  • Learn how to accurately graph force vs. extension data
  • Investigate common sources of measurement error in physics experiments
  • Explore the concept of linear regression to analyze experimental data
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Students in physics courses, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone conducting experiments involving spring forces and data analysis.

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Homework Statement


I'm trying to find the force of a spring (Fs) from the mass of the weights, and the extension of the spring. The springs length without a weight attached was 5 cm. The lab we did had us put 5 different weights on the same spring, and graph the results.

My results from the lab:
0.05 kg, spring stretched 0.021 meters.
0.1 kg, spring stretched 0.055 meters.
0.2 kg, spring stretched 0.115 meters.
0.3 kg, spring stretched 0.18 meters.
0.4 kg, spring stretched 0.25 meters.

Now, I don't know how to figure out the Fs (force on the spring) on each of these 5 results.

Homework Equations



I'm asking for an equation that can help me. So far, Fs=-kx has proven useless at the moment.

The Attempt at a Solution


My lab partner used Fs=mass X gravity to find force spring. I'm not sure if this is correct, because on the graph (Fs vs extension (x) graph) the line is supposed to be linear and straight, but my graph with the plotted points looks nothing like that when the dots are connected.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Looks like you have some measurement errors. If it stretched 0.115 m with .2 kg, then with .1 kg, it ought to stretch half as much, or about 0.055 m or so. Did you miss a decimal point?
 
PhanthomJay said:
Looks like you have some measurement errors. If it stretched 0.115 m with .2 kg, then with .1 kg, it ought to stretch half as much, or about 0.055 m or so. Did you miss a decimal point?
Oh yes, you're right! Typing error, I fixed that now.

Should make a little bit more sense now.
 

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