Experiment 2 The Spring Force Scale Before you begin an experiment using the spring scale you may need to calibrate it In this experiment you will become familiar with how to calibrate and use the spring scale Materials Mass Set Roll of Masking Tape Box of Modeling Clay Single Hole Punch 5 N Spring Scale 10 N Spring Scale Stopwatch Procedure Calibrating a Spring Scale 1 Hold the 5 N spring scale by the handle so that the measurement readings are right side up This should leave the hook hanging from the bottom 2 Observe the plunger the plastic piece hanging from the spring as you gently pull and release the hook The top of the plunger that looks like a flat circular piece is called the indicator 3 To calibrate the spring scale observe the position of the indicator on the measurement scale The indicator should rest at 0 g or 0 N when no force is applied i e the hook is not being pulled on by anything 4 If the indicator is in any position other than zero when at rest adjust it by twisting the plastic bolt at the top of the spring scale until the indicator rests at the measurement 0 g or 0 N 5 Repeat Steps 1 4 with the 10 N spring scale Weighing a Mass 1 Calibrate the 5 N spring scales if necessary 2 Hold the spring scale upright by the metal handle and hook the stopwatch onto the spring scale hook so it freely hangs 3 Observe how far the indicator moves on the measurement scale and record the mass in Table 2 4 Determine and record the uncertainty in Table 2 5 Repeat Steps 1 5 using the 10 N spring scale 2014 eScience Labs LLC All Rights Reserved 6 Repeat Steps 1 6 for the box of modeling clay roll of masking tape and single hole punch Table 2 Spring Scale Measurements 5 N Spring Scale Weight g Object Stopwatch 35 g Uncertainty g 10 N Spring Scale Weight g Uncertainty g 5 g 40 g 10 g Modeling clay 390 g 5 g 400 g 10 g Masking tape 60 g 5 g 60 g 10 g Hole punch 5 g 45 g 10 g 48 g Post Lab Questions 1 What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a spring scale to measure weight The advantages of the spring scales are that they are small compact and very simple to use However when measuring the mass of small items such as the ones we did in this experiment the objects are too small to get an accurate weight measurement Spring scales also must be calibrated and the spring also tends to relax or give out over time skewing the results 2 What are sources of uncertainty when using a spring scale 2014 eScience Labs LLC All Rights Reserved
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