Hooke's Law Graphing Activity

Purpose:

In this online lab activity, you will investigate the properties of three springs using a simulator. Specifically you will find their associated spring constants.

Procedure:

1) Go to the following simulation site: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/hookes-law

Start simulation > select "intro" should see something like the picture below.

Select all boxes at the top right.

2) For a spring constant of 200 N/m, collect data for thestretch x (m) and the Force Applied (N) for 5 different stretches. To stretch the spring, click and hold the clamping device and drag to the right.

3) Change the spring constant to 400 N/m, collect data for thestretch x (m) and the Force Applied (N) for 5 different stretches.

4) Change the spring constant to 600 N/m, collect data for thestretch x (m) and the Force Applied (N) for 5 different stretches.

Observations: [4 marks]

Create one properly formatted table that you will use to record your observations from the procedure above. Be sure to use descriptive column titles with units for each column. All of the data should be onone neat, well-organized, and easy-to-read table. Use the lab guidelines in the lab skills booklet to help guide you with all proper conventions for creating a table. You may choose to format this one page in landscape (highlight your table and then click Format -> Page Orientation -> Selected Content -> Landscape) if you need more space [this has already been done for you]. Because we are using a simulator and not actual measuring tools, no uncertainty values or error needs to be accounted for. Please delete this blue text and replace it with your table.

Analysis:

1.Plotone graph of the Spring Force vs. Stretch with each spring's data on thesame axes using google sheets and include the line of best fit for each. Ensure that the equations and R²-values are displayed for each. Write a proper description paragraph below the graph that contains all necessary information. Use the graphing guidelines in the lab skills booklet to follow all proper graphing conventions. [6 marks]

2. How do the spring constants from the slopes compare with the known value for each spring? What characteristics do springs have with a larger spring constant? [1 mark]

3.For themaximum stretch ofeach spring that you have in your graphs, use the equation provided by the graph to calculate the elastic potential energy stored in each spring.It is encouraged that you practice typing out the math using the Google Docs equation editor or the Google Chrome extensionEquatio. However, do not sacrifice good form for this. [1 mark]