Force vs Position Spring Graph Discrepancy Question

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the observed discrepancy in the force vs position graph of a spring oscillation experiment. Participants explore the reasons behind the non-linear relationship observed in the graph, particularly focusing on the physics of spring behavior and energy dissipation mechanisms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the force applied on the force sensor appears lower when the spring is rebounding, questioning the underlying physics of this observation.
  • Another participant suggests that the discrepancy is due to various dissipation mechanisms such as friction, internal heating, and sound, proposing that the area inside the loop of the graph represents the energy lost each cycle.
  • A third participant provides a link to a Wikipedia article on hysteresis, potentially indicating that hysteresis effects are relevant to the discussion.
  • It is mentioned that if the force sensor is piezoelectric, it may exhibit its own hysteresis, which could contribute to the observed discrepancies in the graph.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views regarding the causes of the graph's non-linearity, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with no consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify specific assumptions regarding the experimental setup or the definitions of terms used, which may affect interpretations of the results.

Robert Hilderman
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I oscillated a spring attached to a force sensor above a position sensor. The position and force sensors were zeroed at the spring's equilibrium. The graph below was my result. I'm wondering as to why the graph isn't a perfect line. It makes sense that the force applied on the force sensor would be lower when the spring is rebounding up but I'm not sure why from a physics standpoint. Thanks so much
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/pSJvRaEHX9vfzt94ZjtmS-5aAOg45ejXglriQTtsYUT41xvIa9L3Bi2X4oOJeyybPKxDadH0pVmdPIjFUcGHuOV7yZYkHGTTekWdoxLd3qzJrCBnrxPUXoD-c93zRtKOwPTHa38a
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That is from all of the dissipation mechanisms. Friction, internal heating, sound, etc. I believe that the area inside the loop is equal to the energy lost each cycle.
 
If your force sensor is piezoelectric, it has its own hysteresis as well.
 

Similar threads

High School Why Does a Spring Return to Its Original Position After Being Stretched?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad Is Hooke's law really not working, or is it me being dummy?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Undergrad How Does Changing Mass and Spring Force Affect Watch Oscillators?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Distorting force vs restoring force in springs?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad What is the relationship between force and time in simple harmonic motion?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Irodov- 1.123- Simple conceptual question with two masses connected by a spring
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
High School Normal Force Discrepancy for Wedge Vs. Ramp
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Finding the Spring Constant: Angular Velocity vs Hooke's Law
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Undergrad Question Regarding Force Being Equal, Even Moving Upwards (if V=0)?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Vertical spring statistical mechanics
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K