Springs experiment, with a graph of length against mass

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an experiment involving springs and their extension when masses are added. The original poster describes a setup with multiple springs and poses a question about how the graph of extension against mass would change when one spring is removed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the expected shape of the graph with different numbers of springs and question the reasons behind the differences in graph behavior. There is also an inquiry about the physical setup involving rulers and their rigidity.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the graph's behavior based on the spring configuration and the physical constraints of the setup. Some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of the rulers' rigidity on the results.

Contextual Notes

There are questions about the rigidity of the rulers and how that may affect the load distribution among the springs, which could influence the expected outcomes of the experiment.

jack edison
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Homework Statement


Say if I had a system with 3 springs on the left, 1 spring in the middle, and another 3 springs on the right. I add masses to the central spring and calculate the extension. After all my measurements, I plot a graph of spring against mass. If I then repeat the experiment again, but with removing the central spring, how would the graph change?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I think the graph initially is a straight line to begin with, before curving off. Without the central spirng, the graph becomes a straight line
 
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jack edison said:
I think the graph initially is a straight line to begin with, before curving off. Without the central spirng, the graph becomes a straight line

So initially 7 springs then 6 springs.

Why would one be "curving off" and the other straight? Why a difference between 6 and 7 and not between say 8 and 9 or 3 and 4?

Got a drawing?
 
the springs are attached to a ruler, with another ruler directly beneath it. The 'extension' is the distance between the top of the 2 rulers.
 
Are the rulers rigid?

If they are then the load on the bottom one should be transmitted uniformly to all the springs. So I'd expect a straight line for both provided the springs aren't overloaded (eg they stay within their linear range).

If the rulers bend then the middle spring will be stretched more than the outer springs.
 

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