Xiaomei Sun, Sunny Xu Physics SL 11FV 2012/8/31 The Relationship between the Tension and the Length of Spring Focus Question What is the relationship between the weights force (tension) and the length of the spring? Variables Independent Variable The independent variable is the weight force exerts on the spring. It weight ranges from 0, Dependent Variable The independent variable is the length of the spring. Controlled Variable • The spring being used is the same throughout the entire experiment to ensure that the change in length is only caused weight force and not the change in flexibility level of different springs. • The points of measurement is fixed, the ruler always measures from the top of the spring where the ring and the spring connects, to the bottom part of the middle of the red arrow. This allows accurate readings to be recorded. • The order of weight being hooked onto the spring should stay constant for all three trails, this could be achieved by marking the springs. Because the average weight for each value for the three trails should be on the same independent variable and cause minimum inaccuracy. Procedure 1. Take out a spring with a maximum tension capacity of 5N, and take out 8 weights of approximately 50g. 2. Set out the retort stands and attach the ruler of 30cm length and measurement of precision of 0. 1cm to the stand. And hang the circular side of the spring onto the stand. 3. Label each weight or put them in order, so in later trails weight when calculating the average would be on the same weight and will reduce the random errors. 4. Measure the length of the spring with no weight acting on it. 5. Take the first weight and measure its exact mass on the electric balance to the accuracy of 0.01g, then record the mass down.
6. Then hang the weight onto the spring balance, measure the length of the stretched spring balance from the ring to the red arrow at the bottom. Make sure that it’s stationary and not waving up and down when making the...