Report Sheet

HOOKE’S LAW

Data Collection

Lay a single rubber band of any size or type on a flat surface. A partner can be helpful for this activity for recording data. If one isn’t available, one end of the rubber band can be attached to a solid object, like a table leg.

Lay a ruler next to the rubber band. Pull slightly on it until it just loses its slackness and set that point to be the origin for data collection. Let this condition represent the value of (0,0) for the extension and force acting on the rubber band in the data table on the Report Sheet.

Attach the hook of the spring scale to the rubber band and stretch it one centimeter at a time for at least four consecutive readings, recording the force needed for each distance. Both extension and force should be measured to the closest tenth. (Depending on the stiffness of the rubber band, a 1 cm increment may be too small or too large; therefore, adjust the conditions accordingly.)

Repeat the procedure for a second rubber band of a different length or thickness. If only one type of band is available, two can be knotted together in series to create a weaker system, or two bands of the same type can be stretched together in parallel to create a stiffer system.

Data:

Distance (cm)

Force (N)

0.0

0.0

1

1.1

2

2.2

3

3

4

3.9

5

4.9

Distance (cm)

Force (N)

0.0

0.0

1

0.9

2

1.9

3

2.9

4

3.8

5

4.8

Spring constant:

Table1 =0.9629N/cm

Table 2= 0.9629 N/cm(I knotted 2 like rubber bands together but the data still came out not being very varied).

Conclusions:

Do you have reason to believe that each spring is following Hooke’s law? Why?

What does a comparison of the two data sets tell you about the relative stiffness of the two springs?

Please explain conclusion in detail!!