AP Physics Workbook 6.D Measuring Spring Constants

Mr.S ClassRoom
14 Apr 202017:17
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script discusses methods to determine the spring constant without measuring time. Two approaches are highlighted: one using the displacement of the spring with known masses and the other utilizing the oscillation period by timing oscillations. The script also explores how these methods would be affected if conducted on a different planet with higher gravity, concluding that while measurements might differ, the calculated spring constant would remain the same due to its independence from gravitational force.

Takeaways
  • πŸ“š The topic is AP Physics, focusing on Unit 6 about simple harmonic motion and measuring the spring constant.
  • πŸ” Students Jellico and Blake are tasked with determining the spring constant of a given spring without using a stopwatch.
  • πŸ“ˆ Angelica's method involves measuring the displacement of the spring with known masses and using Hooke's Law (K = Fg/X1).
  • 🎒 Blake's method requires timing the oscillations of the spring with different masses to find the period and calculate K (K = 4π²m/TΒ²).
  • πŸ“ A meter stick is available for measuring displacement, but no access to a stopwatch or other timing devices.
  • πŸ”„ The experiment should be repeated with different masses to reduce error and increase accuracy in determining the spring constant.
  • 🌌 A hypothetical scenario involves conducting the experiment on a different planet with higher gravity, affecting the force of gravity (FG) component.
  • 🌍 On a new planet, Angelica's method might yield different displacement measurements due to the altered force of gravity, but the spring constant remains the same.
  • πŸš€ Blake's calculation is unaffected by the change in gravity since it relies on the mass and the period of oscillation, both of which are independent of gravity.
  • πŸ“Š Graphing the force of gravity versus displacement or mass versus period squared will yield the spring constant through the slope of the line.
  • πŸ” Understanding Hooke's Law and simple harmonic motion formulas is crucial for accurately determining the spring constant in various conditions.
Q & A
  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is the determination of the spring constant using two different methods, without the need for a stopwatch or measuring time directly.

  • What is the scenario presented in the video?

    -The scenario involves two students, Jellico and Blake, who are given a spring and asked to determine its spring constant. They have access to a stand, known masses, a meter stick, but no access to a stopwatch or other time-measuring devices.

  • How can the spring constant be calculated without measuring time?

    -The spring constant can be calculated by measuring the displacement of the spring for different known masses and using Hooke's Law, which states that the force exerted by the spring is proportional to the displacement (F = kx), where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement.

  • What is the formula for the spring constant based on the force of gravity and displacement?

    -The spring constant can be calculated using the formula k = F_gravity / x, where F_gravity is the force of gravity acting on the mass and x is the displacement of the spring.

  • How can the spring constant be determined using the period of oscillation?

    -The spring constant can be determined using the formula T^2 = (4Ο€^2m) / k, where T is the period of oscillation, m is the mass, and k is the spring constant. By graphing T^2 against m, the slope of the line will give the value of k.

  • What would happen if the experiment is conducted on a different planet with a higher gravity?

    -On a planet with higher gravity, the force of gravity (F_gravity) would be different, leading to a larger displacement of the spring. However, the period of oscillation (T) would remain unchanged, and thus Blake's method of calculating the spring constant would yield the same result. Angelica's method might give different numerical values due to the change in F_gravity, but the ratio used to calculate the spring constant would remain the same.

  • How does the method of calculating the spring constant change when only a stopwatch is available?

    -When only a stopwatch is available, one can measure the period of oscillation for different masses and use the formula T^2 = (4Ο€^2m) / k to calculate the spring constant. By graphing the period squared (T^2) against the mass (m), the slope of the resulting line will give the value of k.

  • What is the significance of the spring constant being the same on different planets?

    -The spring constant is a measure of the stiffness of the spring and is independent of the force of gravity. Therefore, it remains the same regardless of the planet on which the experiment is conducted, as long as the spring and the masses used are the same.

  • How can errors be reduced in the spring constant measurement?

    -Errors can be reduced by repeating the experiment with different masses and averaging the results. This helps to account for any inconsistencies or variations in the measurements.

  • What is the relationship between the force of gravity and the displacement of the spring?

    -The force of gravity (F_gravity) is directly proportional to the mass (m), and the displacement (x) of the spring is directly proportional to the force exerted by the spring. Therefore, a stronger force of gravity on a different planet would result in a larger displacement, but the ratio of force to displacement (which determines the spring constant) remains constant.

  • What is the role of Hooke's Law in determining the spring constant?

    -Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to its displacement, which is the basis for determining the spring constant. By measuring the force (due to gravity) and the displacement, one can calculate the spring constant using the formula k = F / x.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“š Introduction to Spring Constant Measurement

This paragraph introduces the topic of measuring the spring constant as part of an AP Physics workbook solution. It sets the scene where two students, Jellico and Blake, are tasked with determining the spring constant of a given spring. The challenge lies in the lack of access to a stopwatch or other timing devices, prompting the need for alternative methods to measure the spring constant. The paragraph outlines a method involving the displacement of the spring due to a known mass and the use of Hooke's Law to calculate the spring constant without the need for time measurement.

05:01
πŸ•’ Measuring Spring Constant with Time Component

This paragraph discusses an alternative approach to measuring the spring constant, which involves the use of a stopwatch. With the introduction of a time component, the method relies on measuring the period of oscillation of the spring with different masses. The paragraph explains that by squaring the period and graphing it against the mass, the slope of the resulting line will yield the spring constant. This method is distinct from the previous one as it incorporates the element of time, which was not considered in the initial scenario.

10:12
🌌 Effects of Different Planet's Gravity on Spring Constant Measurement

This paragraph explores the impact of varying gravitational forces on the spring constant measurement. It hypothetically transfers the experimental setup to a different planet with a higher gravitational pull than Earth. The paragraph explains that while the force of gravity and the spring's displacement would change due to the different gravitational force, the spring constant would remain the same. This is because the spring's stiffness and the oscillation period are independent of gravity. The paragraph concludes that Blake's method, which relies on the oscillation period, would yield the same spring constant on any planet, while Angelica's method might yield different results due to the change in gravitational force, but ultimately, the spring constant would still be the same.

15:14
πŸ“ˆ Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion for Spring Constant Calculation

The final paragraph delves deeper into the application of simple harmonic motion in calculating the spring constant. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the period of oscillation, the mass, and the spring constant. The paragraph clarifies that while the methods for measuring the spring constant may differ, the underlying principles remain the same. It suggests using the simple harmonic motion formula to derive the period and further refine the spring constant measurement. The paragraph concludes with a reminder that the spring's properties and the mass are key factors in determining the spring constant, regardless of external conditions such as gravity.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a type of periodic motion where an object moves back and forth along a straight line. In the context of the video, SHM is used to describe the behavior of a spring when it is subjected to a force, such as the weight of a mass hung from it. The video explains how to determine the spring constant using the principles of SHM, which is crucial for understanding the relationship between the force applied to a spring and its displacement.
πŸ’‘Spring Constant
The spring constant, denoted as 'k', is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It is defined as the ratio of the force exerted by the spring to the displacement it causes. In the video, determining the spring constant is the primary objective. The spring constant can be calculated using Hooke's Law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position.
πŸ’‘Hooke's Law
Hooke's Law is a fundamental principle in physics that describes the relationship between the force exerted by a spring and the distance it is stretched or compressed. It states that the force (F) is proportional to the displacement (x), with the spring constant (k) being the proportionality constant. In the video, Hooke's Law is used to derive the formula for calculating the spring constant from the displacement of the spring and the force of gravity acting on the mass.
πŸ’‘Displacement
Displacement in the context of the video refers to the change in position of the spring from its equilibrium position due to the force applied by the mass. It is a crucial measurement for determining the spring constant as it directly relates to the force exerted by the spring according to Hooke's Law. Displacement is typically measured as the distance the spring is stretched or compressed.
πŸ’‘Equilibrium
In physics, equilibrium refers to a state where all forces acting on an object are balanced, resulting in no net force and thus no acceleration. In the video, the spring is in equilibrium when the force of gravity pulling down the mass is exactly balanced by the force exerted by the spring. This balance is essential for determining the spring constant, as it allows for the application of Hooke's Law.
πŸ’‘Free Body Diagram
A free body diagram is a visual representation used in physics to analyze the forces acting on an object. It involves drawing the object and all the forces acting upon it, often with arrows indicating the direction and magnitude of the forces. In the video, a free body diagram is used to illustrate the forces acting on the spring and mass system, specifically the force of gravity (FG) and the spring force (Fs), to help explain how the spring constant is determined.
πŸ’‘Graph
In the context of the video, a graph is a visual tool used to represent data and relationships between variables. Graphs are particularly useful in physics for demonstrating patterns and making calculations based on the relationships between different physical quantities. The video discusses using graphs to determine the spring constant by plotting the force of gravity versus displacement and the period squared versus mass.
πŸ’‘Period
The period of a simple harmonic motion, such as the oscillation of a spring, is the time it takes for one complete cycle of motion. In the video, the period is a critical concept for determining the spring constant without measuring displacement, as it relates to the mass and the spring constant through the formula T^2 = 4Ο€^2m/k. Understanding the period allows for the calculation of the spring constant using the oscillation characteristics of the spring.
πŸ’‘Acceleration Due to Gravity
Acceleration due to gravity is the force experienced by an object due to the gravitational attraction of the Earth or another celestial body. In the video, it is mentioned that if the experiment were conducted on a different planet with a higher acceleration due to gravity, the force of gravity (FG) would change, affecting the displacement of the spring but not the oscillation period, which is crucial for Blake's method of calculating the spring constant.
πŸ’‘Measurement
Measurement in the context of the video refers to the process of determining the size or quantity of a physical property such as length, mass, time, or force. The video discusses two methods of measuring to calculate the spring constant: one using displacement and force of gravity (Angelica's method) and the other using the period of oscillation (Blake's method). Accurate measurements are essential for precise calculations of the spring constant.
πŸ’‘Stiffness
Stiffness is a property of materials that describes their resistance to deformation. In the context of the video, the stiffness of the spring refers to its resistance to being stretched or compressed. The spring constant is a direct measure of this stiffness. The video emphasizes that the stiffness of the spring, and thus the spring constant, does not change with the force of gravity or the planet on which the experiment is conducted.
Highlights

The topic of discussion is the determination of the spring constant using simple harmonic motion principles.

The scenario involves two students, Jellico and Blake, tasked with determining the spring constant of a given spring.

The spring constant can be calculated without measuring time, using the displacement of the spring and the force of gravity acting on known masses.

A meter stick is available for measuring displacement, but no access to a stopwatch or other time-measuring devices.

An example is provided where a 10 kg mass is hung from the spring, displacing it by 0.40 meters at equilibrium.

At equilibrium, the force of the spring equals the force of gravity, allowing for the calculation of the spring constant using the formula K = (mg) / X1, where X1 is the displacement.

Graphing the force of gravity (FG) versus the displacement (X1) yields a straight line whose slope represents the spring constant (K).

To reduce experimental error, the mass-stretch experiment should be repeated with different masses.

If a stopwatch becomes available but the meter stick is not, Blake can measure the spring constant using the period of oscillation.

The period (T) of oscillation can be determined by counting the number of oscillations in one second, which can be used to calculate the spring constant.

The formula T^2 = 4PI^2 / (mK) can be used to graph the period squared (T^2) against mass (m), with the slope yielding the spring constant (K).

The experiment's setup involves hanging the spring vertically, stretching it, and then releasing it to oscillate, counting the oscillations within a given time frame.

The spring constant remains constant across different planets, as it is independent of the local gravitational force.

The method involving the period of oscillation (T) is unaffected by changes in gravity, as it relies solely on the mass and the spring's stiffness.

The displacement method (using force of gravity and displacement) will yield different results on a planet with a different gravitational force, as the spring will stretch more or less depending on the gravity.

Despite the differences in measured values due to gravity, the calculated spring constant will remain the same on Earth and on another planet.

The ratio of the force of gravity to displacement remains constant even on a different planet, as both values change proportionally.

Investigating the spring constant can start with Hooke's law and compare the results obtained from the two different methods.

The spring constant can be estimated using the formula for the period of simple harmonic motion, which requires the period and mass.

The period can also be derived from the force of gravity, offering alternative calculations for determining the spring constant.

Understanding the method that does not require time measurement is crucial for experiments where time measurement is not possible.

The spring undergoing simple harmonic motion provides a clear demonstration of the relationship between the spring constant, mass, and displacement.

Transcripts
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