Scribd
Upload
7 views

Notes - RP 06 Force and Extension - AQA Physics GCSE

The document outlines the method for AQA Physics GCSE Required Practical 6, which investigates the relationship between mass and spring extension. It includes a detailed equipment list, step-by-step instructions for conducting the experiment, and safety precautions to follow. The results should be plotted on a graph to determine if the spring follows Hooke's Law, with the gradient representing the spring constant.

Uploaded by

melonpanbear
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views

Notes - RP 06 Force and Extension - AQA Physics GCSE

The document outlines the method for AQA Physics GCSE Required Practical 6, which investigates the relationship between mass and spring extension. It includes a detailed equipment list, step-by-step instructions for conducting the experiment, and safety precautions to follow. The results should be plotted on a graph to determine if the spring follows Hooke's Law, with the gradient representing the spring constant.

Uploaded by

melonpanbear
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

AQA Physics GCSE

Required Practical 6
Force and Extension
Method taken from ​AQA Required Practical Handbook

This work by PMT Education is licensed under https://bit.ly/pmt-cc


https://bit.ly/pmt-edu-cc CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

https://bit.ly/pmt-cc
https://bit.ly/pmt-edu https://bit.ly/pmt-cc
Aim:
Determine the correlation between the mass placed on a spring and the spring’s extension,
by measuring resultant spring lengths.

Equipment List:
● Spring (capable of extending more than 1cm under a load of 1N)
● Metre Rule
● Suitable Pointer (splint and tape)
● Weight Stack (10 x 10g masses)
● Clamp Stand
● Two clamps and bosses
● G-Clamp or additional weight

Method:
1. Set up your equipment, ensuring the spring will return to its original dimensions if
stretched within its elastic limit.
2. Attach the pointer to the base of the spring, ensuring that it isn’t angled (parallel to
the workbench) and perpendicular to the metre ruler. Align the top of the ruler with
the top of the spring.
3. Measure the initial length of the spring without any weights attached.
4. Add a 10g mass to the base of the spring and record the length of the spring.
5. Repeat and continue to add masses, ensuring that the spring doesn’t oscillate after
each weight has been added.
6. Calculate the extension of the spring for each mass by subtracting the initial length of
the spring from each different length of the spring.
7. Convert all masses to weights using the equation:
Weight (N) = mass (kg) x 9.81 (N/kg)
where 9.81N/kg is the gravitational field strength on Earth.
8. Plot the graph of force (y-axis) against extension (x-axis). Calculate the gradient.
If the spring obeys Hooke’s Law, the graph of force against extension will be linear and
pass through the origin. The gradient will be equal to 1 / k, where k is the Spring Constant
measured in N/m.

https://bit.ly/pmt-cc
https://bit.ly/pmt-edu https://bit.ly/pmt-cc
Diagram:

Safety Precautions:
● Ensure the stand holding the spring and weights is secure, either by clamping the
base of the stand to the desk or by putting additional weight on the base of the stand.
● Don’t stand directly beneath the weights, in case they fall off.
● Take care when adding the maximum weight to the spring. If too weak, the spring
may snap. If the weight exceeds the elastic limit, the spring may extend suddenly.
● Wear safety glasses in case the spring snaps.
● Place weights on gently and avoid oscillating the spring.

https://bit.ly/pmt-cc
https://bit.ly/pmt-edu https://bit.ly/pmt-cc

You might also like