Activity 5.

van **Admin** wo dec 21, 2016 5:54 pm

The set of axes used to plot the results depends upon the spring. Student's own results.
The line starts at the origin, because a force of 0 N on the spring gives an extension of 0 cm.
When the force on the spring is multiplied by 2 the extension increases by a factor of 2.
When the force on the spring is multiplied by 3 the extension increases by a factor of 3.
The relationship between force and extension is linear: the extension is directly proportional to the force. The line on the graph is therefore a straight line.
Student's own graph.
You can measure the extension for this unknown force and then read off the force from the graph.
The extension of a rubber band is not linear (i.e. even). A rubber band extends proportionally more under a large load/force.
If you use a weaker spring it will extend more when subject to the same force than a stiffer spring. The line on the graph will be steeper.
When you overload a spring it extends so far that the metal loses its elasticity and cannot return to its original form. (This is called plastic deformation.)