Physics 9702/53 — May/June 2020

A student investigates springs made of metal wire, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

The student constructs several springs from wire of thickness $t$. Each spring has a different cross-sectional area $A$.

The student investigates how the spring constant $k$ varies with $A$.

It is suggested that the relationship between $k$ and $A$ is

where $\rho$ is the density of the metal, $N$ is the number of turns of wire on the spring and $\beta$ is a constant.

Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between $k$ and $A$.
Explain how your results could be used to determine a value for $\beta$.

You should draw a diagram, on page 3, showing the arrangement of your equipment.
In your account you should pay particular attention to:

• the procedure to be followed
• the measurements to be taken
• the control of variables
• the analysis of the data
• any safety precautions to be taken.