Myles Jones

P&D LAB
Hypothesis: The maximum extension/height of a spring would decrease as the spring constant
increases.
Aim: To investigate the relationship between the maximum distance fallen by the object and the
spring constant of the elastic cord.

Apparatus: A hanging post, three elastic cords of 0.5m but different spring constants, A ball
bearing of mass 0.5kg, tape measure, electronic balance, a phone with slow motion.

Diagram of Apparatus:
Method:
1. Place the hanging post at the end of a table and attach the elastic cord to the arm of the
post.
2. Measure and ensure that the length of the elastic cord is 0.5m.
3. Using the measuring balance, weight the ball bearing then attach it to the elastic cord.
4. Place the attached ball bearing at the top of the post while holding out the measuring tape
parallel to the post and with slow motion ready.
5. Drop the ball bearing and record the greatest extension.
6. Repeat 4 times and take an average of the lengths.
7. Repeat this experiment with the other elastic cords with different spring constants.

Variables:
Independent: The spring constant of the Elastic Cords
Dependent: The extension/height of the Elastic Cords
Control: Length of Elastic Cords, weight of bob

Table of expected Results:

TABLE DEPICTING THE EXTENSION OF ELASTIC CORDS WITH VARIABLE SPRING
CONSTANTS

Mass of ball Weight of Initial length Final Length Extension /m Spring

bearing Ball Bearing of Elastic of Elastic Constant
/Kg /N Cord /m Cord /m / N/m
Treatment of Results:

Explanation/Analysis of results:
The height/extension should decrease when the spring constant rises and vice versa, as is predicted by
the inverse connection between h and k. Both analytically and experimentally, this could be
demonstrated.

Derivation of Graph:
The equation below was rearranged in the form y=mx+c in order to derive a graph, where the
gradient is g (acceleration due to gravity) and could be found using the gradient formula,

y=
( h−L )2
h ( )
, x= g
2m
k
and c=0.

1 2
k ( h−L ) =mgh
2

( h−L )2
h
=g( )
2m
k

Precautions:
1. The Elastic Cord should be tied at least 10 cm from the body of the hanging post in order
to prevent any interference when the ball bearing is dropped.
2. The experiment should be done when the room is silent so as to not disturb the motion of
the apparatus as a result of vibration.