Example of Experimental Framework Questions.

(Paper 3 Section B)
Question on Force and extension (Hookes Law) (F4: 2.12. Elasticity)

Inference The extension of spring depends on the force acted on it.

Hypothesis When the force increases the extension increases
Aim To investigate the relationship between force and extension of a spring.
Variables Manipulated Variable: Forces, F (Measure by the mass of the slotted
weight, force is proportional to the mass applied)
Responding Variable: extension,
Fixed Variable: Spring constant of the spring
Apparatus Spring, slotted weights, retort stand with clamp, metre rule, pin and
plasticine.
Set Up
Diagram

Procedure 1. The apparatus is set up as shown in the diagram above

2. With no slotted weights attached to the spring, the initial position of
the pin is recorded as X0.
3. A slotted weight of m=50 g is attached to the end of the spring. The
new position X1 of the pin is recorded
4. The extension of the spring is calculated as X1-X0.
5. The experiment is repeated with mass, m= 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250
g
Tabulation of Data obtained will be tabulated in a table as shown below.
data Force, F(Mass) / Length of the spring when Extension
g slotted weight applied, X1 X=X1-X0 / cm
50
100
150
200
250

Analysis of Data obtained will be analysed by plotting a graph as shown below

Data
F /g

X/ cm