Hooke’s law and spring constant

A/L Physics · G.C.E. Advanced Level · Grades 12–13

Aim

To verify the relation between force and extension of a spring and find the spring constant.

Apparatus

• A spring and a stand
• Slotted masses (50 g)
• Metre rule

Method

1. Measure the natural length of the spring.
2. Add masses and record F = mg.
3. Measure the extension e each time.
4. Plot F against e: the gradient = k.

Conclusion

F ∝ e (a straight line through the origin) — Hooke’s law. The gradient is the spring constant k (N m⁻¹).