AP Physics 1 Hooke’s Law Simulation Lab
Name: Emily Nguyen
Part I. Exploring Hooke’s Law
a. Open a browser and go to: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/hookes-law
b. Click on the “play” button triangle and start the sim. Then choose “intro”.
c. Check all five boxes on the right hand side (applied force, spring force, displacement, equilibrium,
values). Play around with the red slider control for the applied force.
Q1. What can you say about the size and direction of the applied force, and the size and direction of the spring
force, also sometimes called the restoring force?
A1. The magnitude of the applied force is always equal to the magnitude of the spring force, though the
directions of each are opposite of one another. When the applied force is +100N, the spring force is -100N.
d. Leave the red slider control for the applied force maxed out at +100 N. Then play around with the blue
slider control, which affects the spring constant, also sometimes called the constant of elasticity, but
always abbreviated with k.
Q2. What are the units for k? In 2-3 sentences, explain.
A2. N/m are the units for constant k, which is the spring constant. N/m stands for Newtons over meters.
Displacement increases as k decreases.
Q3. Is a higher value for k result in a stiffer/less stretchy spring, or a less stiff/more stretchy spring? In 2-3
sentences, explain.
A3. A higher value for k results in a more stiff, less stretchy spring. Displacement decreases as k increases.
e. Return the value for k to 200 N/m and again play with the red slider control for applied force.
Q4. What relationship exists between the applied force and the green displacement vector for a constant k? Is
it linear or quadratic?
Complete the table below and then answer this question in 2-3 sentences.
Trial Applied Force (N) Displacement (m)
1 -100N .500m
2 -50N .250m
3 0N 0.000 m
4 50 N .250m
A4. The relationship between applied force and displacement is a direct relationship. It is linear.
This study source was downloaded by 100000831525611 from CourseHero.com on 02-02-2022 13:18:55 GMT -06:00
1
https://www.coursehero.com/file/19916632/AP1-LAB-PhET-Hookes-Law/
Name: Emily Nguyen
Part I. Exploring Hooke’s Law
a. Open a browser and go to: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/hookes-law
b. Click on the “play” button triangle and start the sim. Then choose “intro”.
c. Check all five boxes on the right hand side (applied force, spring force, displacement, equilibrium,
values). Play around with the red slider control for the applied force.
Q1. What can you say about the size and direction of the applied force, and the size and direction of the spring
force, also sometimes called the restoring force?
A1. The magnitude of the applied force is always equal to the magnitude of the spring force, though the
directions of each are opposite of one another. When the applied force is +100N, the spring force is -100N.
d. Leave the red slider control for the applied force maxed out at +100 N. Then play around with the blue
slider control, which affects the spring constant, also sometimes called the constant of elasticity, but
always abbreviated with k.
Q2. What are the units for k? In 2-3 sentences, explain.
A2. N/m are the units for constant k, which is the spring constant. N/m stands for Newtons over meters.
Displacement increases as k decreases.
Q3. Is a higher value for k result in a stiffer/less stretchy spring, or a less stiff/more stretchy spring? In 2-3
sentences, explain.
A3. A higher value for k results in a more stiff, less stretchy spring. Displacement decreases as k increases.
e. Return the value for k to 200 N/m and again play with the red slider control for applied force.
Q4. What relationship exists between the applied force and the green displacement vector for a constant k? Is
it linear or quadratic?
Complete the table below and then answer this question in 2-3 sentences.
Trial Applied Force (N) Displacement (m)
1 -100N .500m
2 -50N .250m
3 0N 0.000 m
4 50 N .250m
A4. The relationship between applied force and displacement is a direct relationship. It is linear.
This study source was downloaded by 100000831525611 from CourseHero.com on 02-02-2022 13:18:55 GMT -06:00
1
https://www.coursehero.com/file/19916632/AP1-LAB-PhET-Hookes-Law/
