BRETT STOFFER, NATE TRAINER, MATT KRAML

10/12/12
KINEMATICS LAB

ABSTRACT:
In this experiment we proved that we could accurately launch a spring using the spring constant. Using
the equation Fs=-K X we found the spring constant to be 147 N/m . Using the equation
))) (Derived in later steps) to determine the length the spring needed to be extended

to hit the target.

INTRO. AND THEORY:

In this lab we were hired to launch a spring a correct distance in order to prove ourselves for a job.
We started our inquiry with the equation for spring constant Fs=-K X ( with K=mg/ ) to determine the
force load for each unit of length the spring was pulled back. Next we pulled from a few equations:
)

) (x-direction vector)
) (y-direction vector)

)
)

Solving for t and cancelling it out since it is irrelevant in this situation we then had;

which simplified to

in order to get the

needed to tell how far to stretch the spring.

Using this final equation we then were able to plug in our variables and get the distance the spring need
to be pulled in order to launch the spring accurately (10.4 cm).

PROCEDURE:
Once we had our
we set up our spring contraption; an angled rod at 45 ( for the sake of simplicity in
our equation) since this was our theta angle we chose in the equation, at a height even with the top of
the box (12 inches). We set the box 2m away as per the L in our equation.
Next we placed the spring onto the end of the rod letting it be mechanically stopped at the end by the
hook, and measured 10.4 cm from the bottom of the hook to the launch point.
Once the spring was determined to be stretched the proper length we removed the hand holding the
spring and it launched into the back top corner of the box bounced straight up and landed inside the
box.
Repeating these steps consistently gave the same results. Happy with our accuracy even though we
were on the upper bounds of our limits we decided that small errors such as our measuring tools (
meter stick and triple beam balance) were impossible to get exactly correct readings off of and led to
the spring hitting the back wall before falling in.

BRETT STOFFER, NATE TRAINER, MATT KRAML

10/12/12
KINEMATICS LAB

According to our results though our equation proved to be correct and consistent in that we could
accurately launch a spring.

DATA AND TABLES:

Force vs Stretch Length
Weight
150
250
350
450
550

Length
3.8
5.9
8.2
11.7
13.9

This graph shows the stretched length of the spring after each weight was placed on it. This is what gave
us our spring constant. Later we graphed this to make sure it was linear which would suggest that our
data had little sources of error.

CALCULATIONS AND GRAPHS

We used the following equation because it was derived from the earlier x and y vector equations and
solved for delta x which allows us to directly find out the distance stretched for the distance shot.

BRETT STOFFER, NATE TRAINER, MATT KRAML

10/12/12
KINEMATICS LAB

)
))

Weight
ttt

Stretch Length

This derived equation was used as it was set equal to the distance the spring would need to be stretched
in order to launch 2m. .104 m was more easily measurable in 10.4 cm using the meter stick. We had to
do no other calcualtions because our equation proved it worked the first time.
The average value for the deltax is 40.975, while the standard deviation is given by
Is 1.436 .
Relative uncertainty

=3.5%

BRETT STOFFER, NATE TRAINER, MATT KRAML

10/12/12
KINEMATICS LAB

Conclusion:
In this experiment we set out to see if we could accurately launch a spring. We proved that we could by
deriving equations from vector equations to find a number that would tell us how far to stretch the
spring. We were able to launch a spring accurately 2m away into a box at a height of 1 foot. We were
able to do this multiple times.
Some sources of error would be our measuring devices ( meter stick and scale). We hit the back of the
box instead of the middle which showed we did have some error but it as very small. If we had newer
meter sticks and also a level instead of a protractor to set the angle. Having a better spring ( different
mechanical stop on one end) we also would have been more accurate. Our experiment was virtually
flawless besides this.