Why Put Force on Springs Before Setting Zero Extension?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mark Neilan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Springs
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
2 replies · 6K views
Mark Neilan
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hey,
I am doing coursework for physics (AS level a bit like high school in US) in which we stretched springs in a variety of ways and gathered data and calculated spring constants. As part of the mark scheme i should do extra research into the theory behind the results. It was suggested that I find out why when doing the experiment it was best to put on the 50g hanger and let the spring stretch a little and put this as zero extension. I searched a lot for the answer but it is hard to get such specific information out of a search engine.
Does anybody know why some force is put on and then it is set as zero? I guess it acts differently when completely coiled up and takes a bit to enter the elastic limit. Does anybody know of any good sites or even books on the subject (i don't want to go too deep of course as its just a bit on the side for extra marks)?
Thanks very much.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Things to think about:

How is your spring attached at the ends?
How are you measuring your extension and load?
 
OK thanks for the help. I got some help from a friend as well.