Finding the stiffness of a spring (Lab 2)
The aim is to find the stiffness k of a spring. Hang the spring on a stand and measure its length l₀ without a load. Then hang loads of known mass m one by one, measure the length l each time and find the elongation Δl = l − l₀. When the load is in equilibrium the elastic force equals the weight force: F = mg (taking g = 10 m/s², a 100 g load gives F ≈ 1 N). Stiffness is calculated by k = F/Δl; use 3–4 loads and take the average. The elongation growing in proportion to the load confirms Hooke’s law. Work under the teacher’s supervision and put a soft pad under the stand in case a load falls.
Fill the table: № | m (kg) | F = mg (N) | l₀ (m) | l (m) | Δl (m) | k (N/m). Compute k for three loads and average them. Safety: do not hold loads above your feet, use no load heavier than 0.5 kg, never overstretch the spring.