Experiment #: 2

Date:

Skill: PD

Title: Elasticity of Matter

Scenario/Problem Statement: An engineer is designing a device for which spring with a

high elasticity is required. The engineer has several options of springs made from steel
labeled M, N, O, and P. Plan and designs an experiment to guide the engineer on which
spring to choose.

Hypothesis: N will be the most appropriate steel type(spring) with the most elasticity; it can be
used to make the engineer’s device.

Aim: To find out which of the 4 springs is best to use by the engineer to design the device for
which spring with high elasticity is required.

Apparatus/material: Steel types M, N, O, and P, ruler, clamp and stand, springs, mass hanger,
5masses (10g-50g).

Theory: Elasticity is a physical property of material objects that determines how

easily an object may be deformed by stretching, bending, or compressing and still
return to its original shape. For relatively small deformations of an object, the displacement or
size of the deformation is directly proportional to the deforming force or load. When an elastic
object is stretched beyond its limit of proportionality, the object does not return to its original
length when the force is removed. In this instance, the relationship between force and extension
changes from being linear, or directly proportional, to be non-linear. It is said to be more elastic
if it restores itself more precisely to its original configuration. A rubber band is easy to stretch
and snaps back to near its original length when released, but it is not as elastic as a piece of piano
wire. The piano wire is harder to stretch but would be said to be more
elastic than the rubber band because of the precision of its return to its original
length. A real piano string can be struck hundreds of times without stretching
enough to go noticeably out of tune.

Method/Procedure:
1. The retort stand is placed firmly on the table.
2. A spring is attach to the clamp and stand.
3. The length of the spring (l1) in the rest state is measure (using a ruler) and record.
4. The mass hanger (10 grams) is hung up at the other end of the spring.
 5. Measure new lengths. The change of length of the spring is calculate and record. One set
of data was obtained afterward.
6. A weight of 20g is place on the mass hanger.
7. New length of the spring after applying the weight is measure using a ruler and record.
The change of length of the spring is calculate and record. Another set of data is obtain
afterward.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the remaining weights. Record all new values obtained.
9. A graph of change of length against mass for each spring.

Precaution: 1. Make sure that the spring is tightly attached to the clamp.
2. Wear safety goggles to prevent any accidents that could occur due to the weights
bouncing off the spring.

Results: TABLE SHOWING THE EXPECTED RESULTS FOR THE HOOK’S LAW
EXPERIMENT.

Steel type Mass (g) L1 (mm) L2 (mm) A + l= l2-l1

(mm)

And more…….

GRAPH SHOWING THE CHANGE OF LENGTH VS MASS OF SPRING M.

And more….

Variables: Controlled- The size and mass of the spring

Manipulating- The different types of steel for each spring
Responding- The mass and change of length of the spring