Hooke's Law: Spring Constant
Apply known forces to a vertical spring; measure extension x, linear fit F vs x, read stiffness k.
Goal
Determine the spring constant k using Hooke’s law F = k·x by recording force and extension pairs and fitting F versus x.
Equipment
- Coil spring (vertical)
- Calibrated force scale (slider)
- Extension sensor (simulated)
Theory
For an ideal coil spring within its elastic region, restoring force scales linearly with displacement from equilibrium: F = k·x. A plot of applied force versus extension passes through the origin with slope equal to k.
Procedure
- Read the theory: you will vary the hanging load (applied force F) with the slider.
- Choose a force and press “Record measurement”. The simulator reads the extension x (small sensor noise).
- Repeat for at least 6 different forces spread across the range — avoid clustering all points at one end.
- Inspect the linear fit of F vs x: the slope equals k.
- Compare your k with the reference value shown in the result card and write the conclusion.
Experiment
Ideal spring model: extension x = F/k (noise only on sensor reading).
Ideal extension: xideal = F/k ≈ 0.1538 m
Cover a wide span of forces (several distinct values). The fit uses F on the vertical axis versus x.
Measurements
| № | Extension x m | Force F N | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No measurements yet — take your first reading. | |||
Data processing
Lab report
Opens the system print dialog — choose “Save as PDF” or your printer. Header and footer are hidden when printing.
Hooke's Law: Spring Constant
Generated: 21 Apr 2026, 18:27
Goal
Determine the spring constant k using Hooke’s law F = k·x by recording force and extension pairs and fitting F versus x.
Measurement table
| # | Extension x (m) | Force F (N) |
|---|---|---|
| No measurements yet — take your first reading. | ||
Fit and derived value
Add at least 2 measurements to compute the fit.
Conclusion
The fitted spring constant agrees with the reference stiffness within tolerance. Main error sources: finite number of load steps, sensor noise on x, and assuming a perfectly linear spring.
PhysSandbox virtual lab — values come from your session; add your own discussion of error sources.
Conclusion
The fitted spring constant agrees with the reference stiffness within tolerance. Main error sources: finite number of load steps, sensor noise on x, and assuming a perfectly linear spring.