Core Practical - Hooke's Law

This law states that, up to the unreachable limit of proportionality, the extension of a material (such as a spring) is directly proportional to the load (force) applied to it.

Compression: When a spring experiences a force, it will compress together.

→ Large force = Large compression
→ Large force but stiff spring = Small compression

Tension: When a force pulls on an object so that it extends.
→ Greater force means more extension.

Elasticity or elastic behaviour: It refers to the ability of an object to revert to its initial shape upon the removal of external forces (compression/tension).

Investigation 

1. Measure the weight of each mass with a balance.
2. Measure the length of the spring (with an accurate mm reader).
3. Add 1 mass at a time and allow the spring to come to rest, then measure the new length of the spring.
→ Extension refers to a change in length from the original length.
4. Repeat the process till you have enough measurements .
5. Repeat the experiment and calculate the average value of the length of the spring for each applied weight. 
6. Plot the results on a graph using the results table.
→ Force (weight) on the y-axis.*
     - Extension on x-axis.
7. Repeat the experiment using a metal wire and/or rubber band instead of a spring.