Springs II

Springs II

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
1.
Carrying Out and Recording
 
Springs will stretch if a force pulls on them. The amount of stretch depends upon the size of the force.
Your task is to find how a spring stretches as masses are added to it. 
Carrying Out - set up the experiment. An example of a possible set up is shown in the diagram below:
a)
What is the reading for the spring length on the meter ruler before the mass stack is attached?
 
Spring length = __________
 
b)
i)  Add the mass stack, how long is the spring now? __________

 

ii) By how much longer is the spring (stretch)? __________
 
c)
Add a 50 g mass. Record the reading on the meter ruler and the stretch of the spring.
 
mass __________     spring length __________     stretch __________
 
d) Repeat for 4 other masses. Record your experimental data in the box below.

 
 
 
 
 
e) Recording - Record your experimental data in the table below.
Force and Stretch of a Spring
Mass (g) Stretch (cm)
  0 0
   
   
   
   
 
 
2. Processing and Interpreting
  Processing - A Year 10 class carried out an investigation to find out if the compression of a spring was linked to the size of the mass put on it.

Their results are shown in the table below.

Mass added (kg) Height of spring (cm)
0 15.0
2 13.2
4 11.4
6 9.6
8 7.8
10 6.0
 
On the axes below, draw a graph for these results. Remember to think about:
  • a title for the graph;
  • labeled axis with scales;
  • which quantity must go on the x axis; and
  • is the graph to be a line or bar graph?
  Interpreting - Use your graph to answer the following questions.
a) What is the height of the spring if a 5 kg mass is added? __________ cm
 
b)
What mass would be needed to make a spring have a height of 12.3 cm? __________ kg
 
c)
Complete this sentence: Each time a mass of 1 kg is added, the height of the spring reduces by
 
__________ cm.  
 
 
 
3. Planning
A group of students decided to find out if the amount of stretch of a spring was effected by the thickness of the spring. Plan an experiment to test their idea. Remember to think about: 

  • the variables you will need to control;
  • the variable that you will change;
  • what you will measure; and
  • how you will make sure your results will be accurate.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Task administration: 
[Equipment: 1 m ruler; retort stands (2); mass stack; 50 g masses (5); clamps (2); spring.]

  • This whole investigation on forces (spring stretch vs mass) has three parts:
  1. Carrying Out and Recording,
  2. Processing and Interpreting, and
  3. Planning.
  • Each part of this whole investigation can be completed by students independently of the other two parts.
  • The springs used should stretch for the masses used. In trialling the springs used stretched approximately 10 cm for a 250 g mass.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
physical inquiry, forces, springs
Description of task: 
This whole investigation requires students to find out how spring stretch is affected by different masses pulling on it. There is also a section for planning a similar investigation and a processing section using some provided data.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss:
  • the importance of precise observations and measurement when gathering information 
  • methodology in fair testing. 
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss the conventions of constructing and reading graphs.
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data, Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 

 
a)
b)
 
c)
 
d)
a)- d)

Carrying Out

i) Accurate reading for spring length.
Accurate reading for spring length with mass stack.
Calculation of spring stretch b) i) - a) made.
Correct completion of mass added, reading of spring length and
spring stretch made.

ii) Data for four other masses and spring stretch present.
Units for length and mass are present in all necessary places.
 
One unit for length or mass is missing.
 
e)

Recording
Six lots of data recorded, i.e., spring stretch with mass stack, +50 g,
+100 g, +150 g, +200 g, +250 g.
Only 4 or 5 lots of data recorded.
Data is presented in a systematic way, i.e., mass increases from smallest
to largest.
Stretch recorded accurately.

2. Processing
The title of the graph connects mass, and spring height and makes sense.
One axes has mass (kg), the other has height (cm). Both axes have scales.
Mass is on the x axes.
A line graph has been drawn.

 
a)
b)
c)

2. Interpreting
10.4 ± .1
3 ± .2
.9

3. Planning
Variables to be controlled. Any 2 of: 

  • Same spring length.
  • Same material for spring.
  • Same masses added to each.

Variables to alter

  • Thickness of the spring wire (one thick wired spring, one thinner wired spring or similar).
  • Measurements taken
  • The length or extension of the spring.
  • Accuracy of results
  • Repeat experiment (for each thickness).