PH1140 Post-Lab #5: Investigation of Spring Constants Using Hooke’s Law and Logger Pro

Force Sensor

Author: Taylor Hamilton

Date:10/6/24

Introduction:

The study of spring behavior has been a fundamental aspect of physics, dating back to the
work of physicist Robert Hooke. Hooke’s Law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly
proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position and can be expressed as F=−kx
(Eq. 1), where F is the force, x is the displacement, and k is the spring constant. This law is
crucial in understanding basic mechanical systems and more complex applications, such as
vehicle suspensions and engineering systems requiring controlled motion.1

The spring constant, k, represents a spring's stiffness and indicates how much force is
required to extend or compress the spring by a unit length. In mechanical and civil engineering,
spring constants are important for designing structures and devices that require resilience to
external forces, such as bridges, shock absorbers, or even small-scale devices like retractable
pens. Studying how different springs respond to various forces can provide insights into the
properties of materials and the efficiency of their mechanical designs.

In this experiment, the relationship between force and spring displacement will be
examined by testing different springs under varying loads. Using Hooke’s Law as the theoretical
foundation, we will calculate the spring constant k for several springs and compare the results to
theoretical predictions. The experiment involves the use of Logger Pro software to accurately
measure the force applied to the springs, as well as the displacement, to create a force versus
displacement graph. The slope of this graph will represent the spring constant, allowing us to
quantify the stiffness of each spring.

The negative sign indicates that the force exerted by the spring opposes the direction of
displacement. This experiment aims to determine the spring constant k by measuring the force

1
(“15.2: Simple Harmonic Motion” 2016)
and displacement for various springs. By plotting the force F on the y-axis and the displacement
x on the x-axis, the slope of the resulting linear graph will yield the value of k. This relationship
is important in applications where springs are used to absorb and distribute energy, as it helps
predict how a spring will behave under different loads.2

The motivation behind this experiment is to understand how different springs respond to
applied forces, providing insights into their mechanical properties and suitability for various
engineering applications. We propose to explore the mechanical properties of springs through the
measurement of their spring constants, as this knowledge is fundamental to designing systems
that require precise control of elasticity and force distribution.

Method:

Supplies-

- 3 Springs
- Logger Pro force sensor
- Lab Pro green connector box
- Hook for weights
- Various weights of different Masses

Method:

To determine the spring constant k of multiple springs, the experiment begins with the
setup of the Logger Pro force sensor, which connects to the Lab Pro green connector box and the
computer running Logger Pro software. The force sensor is then attached to a stable support with
one end of the spring fixed in place. Make sure the force sensor is set to ±10𝑁. Zero the sensor
on Logger Pro before adding weights. A tensioner is then used to apply varying amounts of force
to stretch the spring, while the force sensor measures the force applied. For each increment of
applied force, the corresponding extension of the spring is recorded, capturing data from
differing extensions as in the spring with no weight and the spring with weight.

The collected data is analyzed by graphing the measured force against the spring
extension, which is calculated by subtracting the initial length of the spring from its stretched

2
(openstax 2016)
length. According to Hooke’s Law, F= −kx, the slope of the linear relationship between force and
extension represents the spring constant k. The initial spring length has been subtracted from the
total stretched spring length in the table to calculate the actual stretch. Where that value is plotted
on the x-axis and the Force is plotted on the y-axis. Where the slope (N/m) is the spring constant
k. Plot the three different springs on the same or different graphs with the slope shown. Multiple
measurements are taken to ensure accuracy and consistency, and the results are validated by
comparing the spring constants across different springs to check for consistency.

Finally, all observations, data, and calculated values are documented. The analysis of this
data provides insights into the mechanical properties of the springs and validates the theoretical
understanding of Hooke’s Law.

Experimental Setup

Figure 1: The experimental setup was designed to measure the force exerted on the spring using
Logger Pro software. This involved connecting the spring to a force sensor, which accurately
recorded the applied force during the experiment. Logger Pro facilitated real-time data collection
and analysis, allowing for precise measurements and a better understanding of the spring's
behavior under varying loads.

Results:

Peer Data-
 The spring constants k=338 N/m, k=188 N/m, and k=339 N/m provide important insights
into the stiffness and behavior of the respective springs. The spring constant k indicates the
amount of force required to stretch or compress a spring by a unit distance. Specifically, a spring
constant of 338 N/m means that it takes approximately 338 N of force to stretch or compress the
spring by 1 m. Similarly, 188 N/m means that it takes 188 N to achieve the same displacement,
and 339 N/m indicates 339 N for the same displacement.

These values suggest that the springs exhibit various levels of stiffness. The springs with
a constant of 338 N/m and the ones with 339 N/m are relatively stiff, meaning they can endure
considerable force without undergoing significant deformation. In contrast, the spring with a
constant of 188 N/m is softer and will stretch more under a given force than the stiffer springs.

This distinction in stiffness is crucial for various applications. Springs with higher spring
constants, like 338 N/m and 339 N/m, are suitable for applications requiring stability and
resistance to deformation, such as in automotive suspensions or industrial machinery. The softer
spring, with a spring constant of 188 N/m might be used in applications where more flexibility is
required, such as in toys or cushioning mechanisms.

Overall, these spring constants indicate how each spring will respond to applied forces,
affecting their suitability for different mechanical systems. The higher the spring constant, the
stiffer the spring, while a lower spring constant signifies a more flexible spring.

My Data-

Initial Spring length – 0.049 m

Table 4: Data Collected for Spring #1:

This table presents the results of five trials, illustrating the relationship between various attached
masses and the corresponding stretches of the spring, along with the measured forces exerted.

Trial # Mass (kg) Spring Stretch (m) Force (N)

Trial 1 0.05 kg 0.115 m 0.51 N
Trail 2 0.07 kg 0.147 m 0.70 N
Trial 3 0.09 kg 0.182 m 0.93 N
Trial 4 0.11 kg 0.217 m 1.10 N
Trail 5 0.16 kg 0.302 m 1.60 N

Initial Spring length – 0.052 m

Table 5: Data Collected for Spring #2:

The data shows five trials in which various masses were attached to a spring, leading to
measured stretches and corresponding forces.

Trial # Mass (kg) Spring Stretch (m) Force (N)

Trial 1 0.10 kg 0.056 m 0.98 N
Trail 2 0.12 kg 0.064 m 1.18 N
Trial 3 0.14 kg 0.067 m 1.39 N
Trial 4 0.16 kg 0.074 m 1.58 N
Trail 5 0.18 kg 0.079 m 1.80 N

Initial Spring length – 0.041 m

Table 6: Data Collected for Spring #3:

The data shows five trials in which various masses were attached to a spring, leading to
measured stretches and corresponding forces.

Trial # Mass (kg) Spring Stretched (m) Force (N)

Trial 1 0.15 kg 0.041 m 1.50 N
Trail 2 0.25 kg 0.042 m 2.50 N
Trial 3 0.30 kg 0.051 m 2.98 N
Trial 4 0.35 kg 0.053 m 3.49 N
Trail 5 0.45 kg 0.061 m 4.50 N
 Figure 5: Plotting stretch on the x-axis and force on the y-axis gives a slope with units of
N/m, which represents the spring constant. The slope value of 5.8 N/m corresponds to the spring
constant.

Figure 6: Plotting stretch on the x-axis and force on the y-axis gives a slope with units of
N/m, which represents the spring constant. The slope value of 2.599 N/m corresponds to the
spring constant.
 Figure 7: Plotting stretch on the x-axis and force on the y-axis gives a slope with units of
N/m, which represents the spring constant. The slope value of 129 N/m corresponds to the spring
constant.

Analysis-

A spring constant of 129 N/m means that for each newton of force applied to the spring.
Hooke's Law asserts that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the
displacement from its equilibrium position. The equation is F=k⋅x, where F is the force, k is the
spring constant, and x is the displacement. In a real system, this spring constant indicates that the
spring is relatively stiff. This substantial displacement represents the spring's ability to absorb
forces, making it appropriate for applications where stability and resistance to deformation are
critical, such as shock absorbers in vehicles or mechanical systems requiring controlled
movement. Overall, a spring constant of 129 N/m suggests a mix of flexibility and rigidity,
allowing the spring to be used effectively in a variety of mechanical applications.

A spring constant k of 2.599 N/m indicates that the spring is relatively soft and flexible.
Specifically, it means that for every newton of force applied to the spring, it will stretch (or
compress) approximately 2.599 meters from its equilibrium position. In practical terms, this
lower spring constant suggests that the spring is easy to stretch or compress, allowing it to
accommodate larger displacements with smaller forces. Springs with a low spring constant are
typically used in applications where greater movement or flexibility is desired, such as in
lightweight mechanical devices, toys, or certain types of cushioning systems where softer forces
are advantageous. Overall, a spring constant of 2.599 N/m reflects the spring's ability to undergo
significant deformation with relatively little force, making it suitable for applications that benefit
from a softer response to applied loads.

A spring constant k of 5.8 N/m indicates that the spring has moderate stiffness. This value
means that for every newton of force applied to the spring, it will stretch (or compress)
approximately 5.8 meters from its equilibrium position. In practical terms, this moderate spring
constant suggests that the spring provides a balanced response, allowing for a reasonable amount
of displacement while still requiring a notable amount of force. Springs with a constant of 5.8
N/m are commonly used in applications where some flexibility is needed, but stability is also
important. Examples include certain mechanical devices, light-duty shock absorbers, or systems
that need to support moderate loads without excessive movement. Overall, a spring constant of
5.8 N/m reflects the spring's ability to absorb and respond to applied forces effectively, making it
suitable for a variety of applications that require a compromise between flexibility and rigidity.

Systematic Uncertainty-

• The systematic uncertainty of the ruler used to collect the x values is ±0.5 𝑚𝑚 which is
half the smallest unit on the ruler.
• Another example of systematic uncertainty is the force sensor which I approximate has
an uncertainty of ±0.05 N I consider this system pretty accurate compared to the manual
collection of data.

Propagate uncertainty-

The formula for Spring Constant-

According to Hooke's Law, the spring constant k is calculated using the formula:

k=F/x (Eq. 2)

Example:

∇𝑘 ∇F 2 ∇x 2
√
= ( ) + ( )
𝑘 𝐹 𝑥
 ∇𝑘 0.05N 2 0.0005 m 2
√
= ( ) + ( )
7.73 0.51 0.066

∇𝑘
= √(0.098)2 + (0.0076)2
7.73

∇𝑘
= √0.009604 + 0.00005776
7.73

∇𝑘
= √0.00966176
7.73

∇𝑘 = 0.0983 × 7.73

∇𝑘 = ±0.76

Conclusion:

In this experiment, we aimed to determine the spring constants for multiple springs using
Hooke's Law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to its displacement
from its equilibrium position. The theoretical model predicts a linear relationship between the
applied force and the resulting spring extension, allowing for the calculation of the spring
constant k as the slope of the force versus extension graph.

Our experimental results yielded spring constants of k=338 N/m, k=188 N/m,
k=339 N/m, 5.8 N/m, 2.599 N/m, and 129 N/m. Comparing these with theoretical expectations,
we find that the experimental values closely align with what we anticipated. However,
discrepancies between the theoretical and experimental results can be attributed to factors such
as measurement uncertainties, friction in the system, and potential non-linear behavior at larger
displacements that may not have been accounted for in the linear model.

The overall findings suggest that our experiment successfully demonstrated the principles
of Hooke's Law. The close match between theoretical and experimental values indicates that our
methodology and the equipment used were largely effective. Nonetheless, further investigation
could improve the accuracy of our results. In future experiments, I would ensure to take multiple
measurements over a wider range of weights and consider averaging the force data over a brief
time to minimize transient fluctuations.
 Additionally, future follow-up experiments could include examining the behavior of
springs under different conditions, such as varying temperatures, or comparing springs made
from varied materials. This could yield valuable insights into how material properties influence
spring behavior.

If I were to redo this experiment, I would consider introducing additional challenges to

enhance the learning experience. One idea would be to incorporate a predictive element where
participants estimate how much a spring will stretch under a given load before performing the
actual measurements. This prediction could involve applying theoretical knowledge of Hooke's
Law and understanding the properties of the specific springs being evaluated.

Incorporating this prediction step would not only engage participants more actively but
also encourage critical thinking and reinforce their grasp of the underlying principles.
Additionally, discussing the factors that could affect their predictions—such as material
properties, initial spring lengths, and previous experimental results—would provide a richer
context for the lab. Overall, adding this challenge could foster a deeper understanding of spring
mechanics while making the experiment more interactive and educational.

Understanding the stiffness of springs allows for better design choices in a variety of
mechanical systems, from vehicle suspensions to precision instruments. Overall, this experiment
not only reinforced the theoretical understanding of spring mechanics but also provided valuable
firsthand experience in experimental physics.
 Citations

1. “15.2: Simple Harmonic Motion.” 2016. Physics LibreTexts. October 18, 2016.
[Link]
x)/Book%3A_University_Physics_I_-
_Mechanics_Sound_Oscillations_and_Waves_(OpenStax)/15%3A_Oscillations/15.02%3
A_Simple_Harmonic_Motion.
2. openstax. 2016. “Simple Harmonic Motion - University Physics Volume 1 - OpenStax.”
[Link]. 2016. [Link]
simple-harmonic-motion.