Key relationship
F=kx; k=mg/x.
Physics · Practical apparatus
Spring load–extension apparatus
Add loads and plot extension against force. A straight line through the corrected origin is the Hooke-law range. No-load inference is intentionally undefined and indicated as zero.
Open the interactive experiment →Spring load–extension apparatus
சுருள்வில் நீட்சி விசைக்கு நேர்விகிதம். பூஜ்யத் திருத்தத்திற்குப் பின் நேர்கோடு ஹூக் விதியை காட்டும்.
Key notes, relationships and model limits
Practical tip
Add loads and plot extension against force. A straight line through the corrected origin is the Hooke-law range. No-load inference is intentionally undefined and indicated as zero.
Common trap
Use extension from the unloaded length, rather than total spring length, when determining k.
Model limits
massless spring in its linear elastic range, no oscillation; meter rounding affects inferred k. Zero corrected extension cannot determine k.
What you will learn
Adjust spring load–extension apparatus apparatus, observe its reading and derive the indicated physical quantity.
Try the experiment
Try both scenarios, change one control, and predict the result before checking the graph and readouts.
Think of it this way
Change one input while keeping the others fixed, as you would in a controlled experiment.
Worked example
A 0.5 kg load on k=100 N/m gives x=0.04905 m or 49.05 mm.
Why this matters
The model connects spring load–extension apparatus with an observable reading. Check the equation and assumptions before applying it.
Before you start
SI units · algebra · graph reading
Check your understanding
For a Hooke-law spring, doubling applied force gives extension?
- Half the original extension.
- Twice the original extension.
- Four times the original extension.
Read the explanation
Twice the original extension.
Course connection: Virtual apparatus preparation. Check exact board/exam membership in the syllabus sources. Physical practical work remains necessary.