Force Constant of Surgical Tubing

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the force constant of surgical tubing in the context of a physics project involving a catapult. Reducing the length of the tubing will increase its spring constant, as a shorter length requires more force to achieve the same stretch. The user confirmed that their initial measurements showed a consistent relationship, with 50 grams of weight resulting in a 0.5 cm stretch. The need to reevaluate the force constant after altering the tubing length is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Basic knowledge of force and weight measurements
  • Familiarity with experimental physics techniques
  • Ability to perform calculations involving force and displacement
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Hooke's Law in detail
  • Learn about the relationship between spring constant and material properties
  • Explore methods for accurately measuring force and displacement
  • Investigate the effects of different materials on spring constants
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone involved in experimental design or materials science, particularly those working with elastic materials like surgical tubing.

tesla93
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
The Problem:

I found the force constant of surgical tubing for a catapult I have to make for physics class. However I discovered that I have to reduce the length of the tubing a few centimetres to get a longer range for the projectile. Will reducing the length change the force constant?

I feel like it won't, as its a constant, but i just want to be sure before I start anything.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's constant for a given spring in the sense that it is independent of the amount it stretches. If you cut a spring in half, it gets stiffer, does it not? That's because you need twice as much force to stretch it by the same amount. Cutting a piece off your tubing will increase its spring constant.

Incidentally, you may wish to check how constant that constant is. If you double and triple the weight hanging from the tubing does it stretch by double or triple the amount?
 
Oh okay I understand. So then I have to re evaluate the force constant.

When I found the force constant the first time it was surprisingly constant. For example, for every 50 grams added to the end of the tube it stretched 0.5 cm.

Thanks for the help! Hopefully the new length of tubing is just as consistent haha.
 

Similar threads

Experiment - how temperature changes along a tube, using heaters
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
How do Eddy Currents Affect a Magnet's Motion in a Copper Tube?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Thickness of object to halve the stress
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Does Young's Modulus Change When Nano-Tubes Are Connected End-to-End?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School How Does Constant Power Affect Rocket Acceleration in Space?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
643
Investigating Unexpected Results in Elementary Experiment
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
Calculating the Weight of a Moving Object Using Momentum and Force
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Launching a Potato with a Spring: Solving for the Spring Constant
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
How Can You Solve a Differential Equation Involving Exponential Drag Force?
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
5K
Calculating Force Constant for a Harmonic Oscillator: Units and Conversions
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
11K