What's another way I could find the spring constant experimentally?

AI Thread Summary
To find the spring constant experimentally, one method involves measuring the initial length of the spring, applying a known force using a force meter, and calculating the change in length to apply Hooke's Law (F=k*x). A suggested alternative method is to explore the relationship between the frequency of vibration and the spring constant using simple harmonic motion, expressed as 2π/T = √(k/m). This approach requires measuring the period of oscillation of a mass attached to the spring, which can provide a different way to determine k. While traditional methods involve using a ruler to measure changes in length, the discussion emphasizes the potential for using mass and oscillation period as a viable alternative. Overall, both methods can effectively demonstrate Hooke's Law and yield the spring constant.
sodium40mg
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Homework Statement


Basically I have to find two methods to show Hooke's Law by finding the spring constant of a spring. This is one method we did:

We basically measured the length of the spring. This is your initial spring length. Then make one end of the the spring stationary and connect the other end to the force meter and pull. Note the force on the force meter (this is your applied force). At the same time, measure the length of the spring at that exact force. The difference b/w this second measurement and the initial spring length is the change in length.

then simply use Hooke's law for spring.

F=k*x where x is the change in spring length

Homework Equations


F=k*x

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea any other way to do this? How could I use acceleration or velocity or something like that? Also, keep in mind I don't that motion sensor equipment or software unfortunately.
 
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sodium40mg said:
I have no idea any other way to do this? How could I use acceleration or velocity or something like that? Also, keep in mind I don't that motion sensor equipment or software unfortunately.
Think: harmonic motion. What is the relationship between frequency of vibration and k for a mass m connnected to the spring?

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Think: harmonic motion. What is the relationship between frequency of vibration and k for a mass m connnected to the spring?

AM

Hmm...frequency of vibration is basically 1/T, or the time? Sorry, I actually don't know.
 
sodium40mg said:
Hmm...frequency of vibration is basically 1/T, or the time? Sorry, I actually don't know.
If you have not studied simple harmonic motion of a mass on a spring, you may not be expected to use this method. The relationship between period, mass and k is:

\frac{2\pi}{T} = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
If you have not studied simple harmonic motion of a mass on a spring, you may not be expected to use this method. The relationship between period, mass and k is:

\frac{2\pi}{T} = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}

AM

Yeah, that seems a little far fetched for our current understanding. Do you think there's any other way to measure the distance the spring changes with mass other than measuring it with a ruler? Something with acceleration, velocity? I'll do some research but I'm just hoping someone can key me in here.
 
You can hang an object of known mass on the spring and measure the change of length by a ruler. That object can be 200 g of candy for example. The force is the weight of the object, mg. And you certainly have got a ruler to measure x, the change of the length .

ehild
 
ehild said:
You can hang an object of known mass on the spring and measure the change of length by a ruler. That object can be 200 g of candy for example. The force is the weight of the object, mg. And you certainly have got a ruler to measure x, the change of the length .

ehild

That's basically what we did for the first method though?
 
Yes, it is, but no need of a force meter.
The basically different method would be the one AM suggested, measuring the time period of vibration.

ehild
 
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