HOOKE’S LAW EXPERIMENT
MISSION: PHYSICS · ELASTICITY
[●] SYSTEMS: ONLINE · ONLINE · INTERACTIVE LAB
Welcome to the Senpai Corner Hooke's law experiment. This interactive physics simulation allows students to investigate how the force applied to a spring affects its extension. Hang different masses, measure the spring's length using the virtual ruler, record your results, and plot a force–extension graph to determine the spring constant.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
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Investigate the relationship between force and extension in a spring.
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Conduct a virtual Hooke's law practical by adding different masses to a spring.
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Measure spring extension accurately using a virtual ruler.
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Record experimental measurements and analyse results.
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Plot a Hooke's law graph and determine its gradient.
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Calculate the spring constant, k, from a force–extension graph.
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Identify the proportionality limit, elastic limit and breaking point of a spring.
MEET YOUR VIRTUAL LAB ASSISTANT
Not sure what to do next? Turn on Guide Me and your virtual lab assistant will walk you through the Hooke’s law experiment step by step. It provides contextual guidance as you collect measurements, align the ruler, settle the spring, plot your graph and determine the spring constant.
THE THEORY BEHIND THE HOOKE'S LAW EXPERIMENT
Hooke's Law
Hooke's law states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied, provided the spring remains within its proportionality limit.
For a spring:
F = kx
Where:
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F = applied force in newtons (N)
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k = spring constant in newtons per metre (N/m)
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x = extension of the spring in metres (m)
The Hooke's Law Graph
When force is plotted against extension, a spring obeying Hooke's law produces a straight-line relationship through the origin.
The gradient of the force–extension graph gives the spring constant:
gradient = k
PROPORTIONALITY AND ELASTIC LIMIT
Proportionality Limit
At loads below the proportionality limit, force and extension remain directly proportional and the graph remains approximately linear.
Beyond this point, Hooke's law no longer applies exactly and the graph begins to curve. Your simulation explicitly identifies this transition.
Elastic Limit
If the elastic limit is exceeded, the spring can undergo permanent deformation. When the load is removed, it may no longer return to its original length. Your simulation models this permanent stretch after yielding.
Breaking Point
Applying a sufficiently large force can cause the spring to break. The simulation allows students to observe this failure and replace the spring before continuing the experiment.
HOW TO PERFORM THE VIRTUAL HOOKE'S LAW EXPERIMENT
1. Select a Spring
Choose a spring to investigate and observe its initial length.
2. Add Masses
Hang slotted masses from the spring to increase the applied force.
3. Allow the Spring to Settle
Wait for the spring to reach equilibrium before taking a measurement. You can also use the Stop Oscillation control to settle the spring.
4. Measure the Spring
Position the virtual ruler correctly beside the spring and record its length.
The simulation specifically checks whether the ruler is straight, correctly positioned and aligned with the spring.
5. Calculate Extension
Subtract the original length of the spring from its loaded length.
6. Record Your Results
Enter the force and extension measurements into the experimental data table.
7. Plot the Graph
Plot Force against Extension to create your Hooke's law graph.
8. Determine the Spring Constant
Use the gradient of the linear portion of the force–extension graph to determine the spring constant, k.
The simulation automatically fits the linear readings while preventing measurements beyond the proportionality limit from distorting the calculated spring constant.
FAQ
Q: What is Hooke's law?
A: Hooke's law states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the applied force, provided the proportionality limit is not exceeded.
Q: What does the gradient of a Hooke's law graph represent?
A: For a graph of force against extension, the gradient represents the spring constant, k.
Q: How do you calculate the spring constant?
A: The spring constant can be calculated from the gradient of the linear section of the force–extension graph.
Q: What happens when the proportionality limit is exceeded?
A: The relationship between force and extension becomes non-linear, meaning Hooke's law no longer applies exactly.
Q: What is the difference between the elastic limit and proportionality limit?
A: The proportionality limit is the point beyond which force and extension are no longer directly proportional. The elastic limit is the point beyond which the spring may not return completely to its original length.
Q: What is a Hooke's law practical?
A: A Hooke's law practical is an experiment in which different forces are applied to a spring and its extension is measured to investigate the relationship between force and extension.
Q: Can I use this as a Hooke's law experiment?
A: Yes. The virtual laboratory allows you to add masses, measure spring extension, record experimental data and analyse a force–extension graph.
LEVEL UP YOUR PHYSICS GRADE
Hooke's Law Experiment is just the warm-up. Unlock our High-Fidelity Simulations to master the core practicals of Physics. Dive into the Projectile Motion Simulator, Free Fall Simulator and DC Motor Simulation to see the math come to life.