1.

Experiment for determining the spring constant k of a material is as follows: F= kx Forces can be measured individually using a balance and an average for each mass can be found and used. L is found using a metre rule. And a set square to avoid parallax errors. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram above. Add 100g masses to the hanger and measure the extension by subtracting the original length from the reading on the metre rule. Continue to add masses until 20 N. Then remove masses and measure the extension (=compression) Repeat the experiment so that you get average values for the extension for each load. Plot a graph of Force against extension, of which the gradient will give you the spring constant k. F= kx Y=mx+c F=y x=extension c=0 and M (gradient) = k (spring constant)

2. Experiment for determining the Young Modulus of a piece of wire: E= stress/ strain Stress is force per unit area Strain is extension per original length. Diameter of wire is calculated using a micrometer, measured at different points and axes along the wire The extension is calculated using a metre rule and by subtracting the original length from the readings. The wire to be used should have a length of about 2 metres, as larger length means larger extension for a given load, and therefore more easily readable extensions, reducing errors and uncertainties in the experiment. The wire should also be thin, because stress is force per unit area, so to get a larger stress you dont need such a large force if the area is small. Otherwise, a greater cross-sectional area means that a greater force has to be applied. Therefore, a thinner wire gives a greater extension. Strain is extension per original length, so there is a relationship between greater extension and longer length. Procedure: Thin copper wire is clamped between two wooden blocks at the end of the bench and passed over a pulley wheel at the other end. A weight hanger is attached to the wire close to the pulley and a metre rule is fixed to the bench. A stip of sticky tape is attatched to the wire so that the length of the wire from the end of the bench to the tape can

be measured and the extensions as well. The wire from the end of the bench to the strip of sticky tape is actually the part of the wire that is being investigated. Place masses (100g) and measure extension each time. Be careful! You should be wearing goggles protection when the wire breaks danger for eye damage. Experiment should be repeated to get Plot a graph of stress against strain. The gradient is the young modulus.