Experiment #1

1.1 Objective:
To draw the load-extension curve of a metallic spring and hence determine the
stiffness of the material of the spring.

1.2 Apparatus:
1) Weight hanger with weights
Scale
2) Measuring scale
3) Micrometer
4) Spring
5) Pointer Holder
6) Adjustable spring holder

Spring

Weights

Pointer

Fig.1: Hook’s Law Apparatus

1.3 Theory:
In mechanics and physics, Hooke's law of elasticity is an approximation that states that the
extension of a spring is in direct proportion with the load applied to it. Many materials obey this
law as long as the load does not exceed the material's elastic limit.
 Materials for which Hooke's law is a useful approximation are known as linear-elastic or
"Hookean" materials. Hooke's law in simple terms says that strain is directly proportional to
stress. Mathematically, Hooke's law states that

Where:

X is the displacement of the spring's end from its equilibrium position (a distance, in SI units:
meters);

F is the restoring force exerted by the spring on that end (in SI units: N or kg·m/s2); and

K is a constant called the rate or spring constant (in SI units: N/m or kg/s2).

When this holds, the behavior is said to be linear. If shown on a graph, the line should show a
direct variation. There is a negative sign on the right hand side of the equation because the
restoring force always acts in the opposite direction of the displacement (for example, when a
spring is stretched to the left, it pulls back to the right).

1.4 Procedure:

1. Hang a spring on the hook, on the other end of the spring, suspend a weight hanger.
2. Note down the initial position of the spring on measuring scale by a pointer.
3. Add 12 N weights in the hanger and note the displacement covered by the spring
(extension of spring) and take difference between initial and extended length that showed
the change in length of spring by applying force.
4. Similarly, add more weights in the hanger with the increment of 2, 3 N and take 3 to 4
more readings for the change in length of spring.
5. Draw graphs between applied load and extension for 3 different springs having different
stiffness.
1.5 Observations and Calculations:
Spring #1

Initial position: ________________

Initial Length: _________________
Sr. Load (N) Extension (mm) Stiffness (K) Mean Stiffness
No (Nmm-1) (K) (Nmm-1)

1
2
3
4
5

Spring #2

Initial position: ____________

Initial Length: ____________
Sr. Load (N) Extension (mm) Stiffness (K) Mean Stiffness
-1
No (Nmm ) (K) (Nmm-1)

1
2
3
4
5
 Spring #3
Initial position: ___________
Initial Length: ____________
Sr. Load (N) Extension (mm) Stiffness (K) Mean Stiffness
No (Nmm-1) (K) (Nmm-1)

1
2
3
4
5

1.6 Graphs:
1.7 Applications:
1.8 Results & Conclusion: