Lab: Hooke’s Law (Experimentation and Measurement)
Purpose: To complete a scientific experiment that determines the relationships between variables.
Targets
Part 1:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I can make measurements in the lab using scientific digits
I can determine the number of significant digits in measurements.
I can determine the number of significant digits a calculated number should have.
I can round values to the correct number of significant digits
I can identify manipulated and responding variables in an experiment.
Part 2:
6. I can use scientific graphing skills to graph data.
7. I can analyze graphs to identify direct relationships between variables.
8. I can manipulate data to produce a straight line graph to find the slope of a line.
Part 1
Complete the table reporting all measurement and calculation with significance.
Total Mass added
to the spring
(g)
Example:
20 grams
Introduction to Physics
Force exerted on the spring – Weight
(N)
1 𝑘𝑔
? 𝑁 = 20 𝑔 × 1000 𝑔 ×
9.8 𝑁
1 𝑘𝑔
Spring 2014
= .196 N = .20 N
Displacement of
the spring
(cm)
1.55 cm
Page 1
Lab: Hooke’s Law (Experimentation and Measurement)
Pre lab preparation:
1. Provide a title. Titles should describe the data in the graph.
2. Label the x-axis with the _____________________________________ variable, which is
__________________________. Be certain to include units of measure.
3. Label the y-axis with the _____________________________________ variable, which is
__________________________. Be certain to include units of measure.
Graph your data and draw a line of best fit (we will discuss the line of best fit on Monday).
Introduction to Physics
Spring 2014
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Lab: Hooke’s Law (Experimentation and Measurement)
Graphical Analysis questions:
Interpolate and extrapolate these answers. Circle which process you used to find your answer.
1. How far will the spring stretch if 1.8 N of force is applied? _______________
(interpolated, extrapolated)
2. What force was exerted if the sprint stretched 7.0 cm? __________________
(interpolated, extrapolated)
3. What force was exerted if the spring stretched 0.05 m? (Notice the unit here!)
_____________________
(interpolated, extrapolated)
4. How far will the spring stretch if 2.5 N of forces is applied? __________________
(interpolated, extrapolated)
Provide a two/three sentence description describing the relationship between the independent
and dependent variables in your Hooke’s Law experiment.
More graphical analysis on Monday 
Introduction to Physics
Spring 2014
Page 3
Lab: Hooke’s Law (Experimentation and Measurement)
Extra calculation or notes here:
Introduction to Physics
Spring 2014
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