OCR PAG 2.

2 - Springs

Connecting springs in series and parallel

Introduction
In this experiment you will be using combinations of springs to contribute to your understanding of
the Young Modulus as the property of a material.

You are expected to be familiar with the concept of the application of a force leading to the extension
of an elastic material in tension and the further concepts of stress and strain.

There is an opportunity for evaluation of potential uncertainties in readings and the combination of
individual uncertainties into the uncertainty of the final result.

Aim

• To determine relationships for combinations of springs in series and parallel

• To use these relationships to contribute to a measurement of the property of a material
independent of its shape.

Equipment

• springs x 6
• 100g masses on holder (total 1kg)
• metre rule
• retort stand
• boss and clamp (2)
• wooden block with hooks on which to hang springs/masses
• safety goggles

Health and Safety

Safety goggles or spectacles provided must be worn at all times due to the risk of the tensioned wire
snapping and causing damage to the eyes.

Your teacher will have determined a maximum load to be applied to the springs to reduce the risk of
breaking.

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 OCR PAG 2.2 - Springs

Procedure
A. Connecting springs in series

100g

100g

1) Measure the original (unloaded) length, L, of a spring

2) Load the spring with 100g and determine the extension x
3) Connect two springs in series and measure the new extension
4) Continue up to 5 springs
5) Plot a graph of N, the number of springs along the x axis, against extension on the y
axis
6) Use this graph to calculate the strain given by (x/NL)

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 OCR PAG 2.2 - Springs

B. Connecting springs in parallel

1kg

1) Set up the apparatus, illustrated above, with two springs

2) Add a load of 1kg to the lower rod and hooks (shown in black)
3) Determine the extension which this produces
4) Compare this extension with that for one spring in A above
5) Estimate the anticipated extension of one spring with a 1 kg mass
6) Increase the number of springs to 3 and record the new extension
7) Repeat this up to a maximum of six springs
8) Note the relationship observed between the number of springs and extension
9) Plot an appropriate graph to demonstrate this relationship
10) Stress is related to force F and area A and is given by F/A, explain how this experiment
supports the idea of stress being a property of a material rather than an object.

Extension Opportunities
(𝐹 ⁄𝐴)
Young Modulus = ⁄(x⁄𝐿 ) Spring Constant 𝑘 = 𝐹⁄x

Which of these constants relates solely to the material and is independent of shape, and which is a
function of the shape of the object?

Explain how these two experiments support your conclusion.

To submit
For this piece of work to count towards Practical Activity Group 2 of the GCE Physics Practical
Endorsement you should have evidence of the data collected from your group.
You should have used the data collected to plot graphs and to make estimates of values as detailed.

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 OCR PAG 2.2 - Springs

Specification points assessed in this task:

1.2.1 Practical Skills Have I

done this?
Independent (a) apply investigative approaches and methods to practical work
thinking
Use and (b) safely and correctly use a range of practical equipment and
application of materials
scientific
methods and (c) follow written instructions
practices
(d) make and record observations/measurements

(e) keep appropriate records of experimental activities

(f) present information and data in a scientific way

Instruments (j) use a wide range of experimental and practical instruments,

and equipment equipment and techniques appropriate to the knowledge and
understanding included in the specification.

1.2.2 Use of apparatus and techniques

(a) use of appropriate analogue apparatus to record a range of

measurements (to include length/ distance, temperature, pressure,
force, angles and volume) and to interpolate between scale
markings

(b) use of appropriate digital instruments, including electrical

multimeters, to obtain a range of measurements (to include time,
current, voltage, resistance and mass)

(c) use of methods to increase accuracy of measurements, such as

timing over multiple oscillations, or use of fiduciary marker, set
square or plumb line

(k) use of ICT such as computer modelling, or data logger with a

variety of sensors to collect data, or use of software to process data

CPAC (1) Follows written procedures

(3) Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials

(4) Makes and records observations

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