2010

MEL G2
EXPERIMENT 01

The main objective is to measure the spring constant

of two different springs. The spring is attached to a
hook and then different weights are suspended to the
spring. We note the different lengths and then
calculate the spring constant.

Submitted to: DANIYAL ALTAF

GROUP G2 BS MECHANICAL 3RD SEMESTER
Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed 17-Oct-11
INTRODUCTION:
SPRINGS ARE ELASTIC OBJECTS THAT CAN STORE MECHANICAL ENERGY AND
CONSEQUENTLY RELEASE IT WHENEVER NECESSARY. SPRINGS ARE USED WIDELY IN DIFFERENT
DEVICES. FROM WRIST WATCHES TO SHOCK ABSORBERS, WE FIND AN ENORMOUS USE OF SPRINGS
AROUND THE GLOBE. THE PROPERTIES THEY POSSESS LIKE ELASTICITY AND DURABILITY ARE A
MAJOR FACTOR FOR THEIR WIDE APPLICATION.

APPARATUS:
The apparatus used in this experiment are enlisted below:

1. Spring balance
2. Meter rod on a stand
3. Weights

FIGURES AND PICTURES:

Spring balance Laboratory weights

PROCEDURE:
First of all check for zero error in the spring balance.

1. Measure the weight of the hanger using a spring balance.

2. Note the initial reading
3. Suspend additional weights on the hanger and note the values in a table.
4. Take at least 4-5 readings.

Note:

While adding loads, do not swing/jerk the spring. To confirm the measurements
unload the weights one by one and compare the former results.

1 DANIYAL ALTAF BALOCH

G2 BS MECHANICAL 3RD SEMESTER
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:
SPRING # 01:

Load180 Scale ∆l k1 (spring constant) = slope of graph

(gm. Force)
160 reading (l2-l1)
f(x) = 18.83 x + 19.58
(N) 140 (mm) (mm) k1 = 18.83
Hanger120 0 -
0.49100 53 -
0.98 80
∆l 92 39
90
1.96 130 77 f(x) = 10 x + 10.21
60 80
3.92 168 115
40 70
7.84 206 153
20 60
0 50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8∆l 940
Load (gm.force) 30
20
10
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Load (gm.force)

SPRING # 02:

Load Scale ∆l k2 (spring constant) = slope of graph

(gm. Force) reading (l2-l1)
(N) (mm) (mm) k2 = 10
Hanger 0 -
0.49 34 -
0.98 54 20
1.96 75 41
3.92 95 61
7.84 115 81 CONCLUSION:
It is observed that due to some errors the graph is
not linear. The errors had might be occurred during the loading of weights or extension of the
spring. Therefore in the graphs above, linear interpretation has been used to approximate the slope
equal to the spring constant.

2 DANIYAL ALTAF BALOCH

G2 BS MECHANICAL 3RD SEMESTER