Spring Constant Lab 1A - Measuring the spring constant using static equilibrium

0:00 Learning Goals
0:17 Extension of Spring
0:45 How to measure force?
1:15 Forces in equilibrium
1:51 First measurement
2:07 Data Table
2:27 All other measurements
3:23 Calculating Force
3:49 Graph
4:31 Spring Constant from run and rise
5:00 Spring Constant: Bow
5:59 Flex and Hockey Sticks

This video reviews the lab equipment that can be used to determine the relationship between the force applied to a spring and its extension. Students can observe measurements using the data provided in the video. The calculation of spring constant is reviewed based on plotting data on a graph and using the slope of the line of best fit for the data.

Applications related to springs include a brief discussion on a bow along with a discussion on a hockey stick. Although these objects are not springs, they exhibit the same type of linear relationship between extension and the force applied.

This experiment is usually done in a second year physics class in high school (secondary school), or a grade 12 physics class, when springs, spring constant, Hooke's Law and simple harmonic motion are discussed.

This video is also ideal for students in an IB physics SL HL program or AP physics program that are studying at home.