Force & Extension GCSE Physics Practical

Method

Setting Up the Equipment

1. Prepare the Retort Stand
• Attach two clamps to a retort stand. Secure the stand to the desk using a G-Clamp or a heavy mass to prevent it from tipping.
2. Position the Metre Ruler
• Attach a metre ruler vertically to the lower clamp, allowing it to hang over the edge of the desk.
3. Attach the Pointer to the Spring
• Fasten a small piece of wooden splint horizontally to one end of the spring to serve as a pointer.
4. Mount the Spring and Adjust the Ruler
• Attach the spring to the upper clamp. Adjust the metre ruler so that its zero mark aligns with the top of the spring.

Conducting the Experiment

1. Measure the Unstretched Length
• Record the initial reading of the spring length on the ruler (unstretched length) and note it in a data table.
2. Add the First Weight
• Hook an empty 1N mass hanger to the bottom of the spring.
• Record the reading on the ruler indicated by the pointer to measure the spring’s length under a 1N force.
3. Increase the Load and Measure Extensions
• Add additional weights to the mass hanger incrementally.
• After each addition, measure and record the new spring length using the pointer.
• Calculate the extension (change in length) for each weight and record it in the data table.

Analysing the Results

1. Plot the Results on a Graph
• Create a graph with Force (Newtons) on the x-axis and Extension (cm) on the y-axis.
• Plot each data point based on your measurements and draw a best-fit line.
2. Draw Conclusions
• Analyse the graph to determine the relationship between force and extension.
• Conclude if the results align with Hooke's Law, indicating a proportional relationship.