New
New
Stretching springs
I can measure extensions of a spring for a good range of stretching forces.
Lesson 2 of 10
New
New
- Year 9
Stretching springs
I can measure extensions of a spring for a good range of stretching forces.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Applying a force to a spring will make it extend (stretch).
- A range of masses suspended on a mass holder will produce constant and measurable forces on a spring.
- A set square ensures measuring scales are vertical.
- Diagrams show how equipment should be set up.
Keywords
Extension - The extension of a spring is the change in length.
Gravitational force - Masses will have a gravitational force that pulls them downwards.
Hanging masses - Hanging masses (weights) can be used to put a known force onto a spring.
Mass hanger - A mass hanger can be attached to a spring; adding masses to it causes the spring to stretch in a controlled way.
Common misconception
The length of the spring is equal to the extension of the spring.
Focus on the fact that forces cause the length of the spring to change and pupils are measuring the size of that change.
The key to success in this experiment is the careful set up of the equipment as the procedure is quite simple. Select springs that produce a good extension per N but the total extension should not exceed 30 cm for 6 N.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Somebody slides down a slide. What force is causing them to speed up as they slide?
Somebody slides down a slide. What force is causing them to speed up as they slide?
friction
tension
air resistance
Q2.Somebody slides down a slide. What two forces are opposing the motion as they slide?
Somebody slides down a slide. What two forces are opposing the motion as they slide?
gravitational
tension
Q3.Which of the following can a force do to an object?
Which of the following can a force do to an object?
Decrease its mass.
Q4.Some masses are placed on a balance. Which force acts downwards on the masses?
Some masses are placed on a balance. Which force acts downwards on the masses?
upthrust
friction
tension
Q5.The image shows a newton meter which has a spring inside it. Why is a spring used in the newton meter?
The image shows a newton meter which has a spring inside it. Why is a spring used in the newton meter?
The spring stops the hook from moving.
The spring stretches less when there is a larger force on it.
The spring makes the meter strong enough to hold things.
Q6.The picture shows a steel paperclip on some thread being attracted by a magnet. The paperclip is stationary. Which statements must be true?
The picture shows a steel paperclip on some thread being attracted by a magnet. The paperclip is stationary. Which statements must be true?
The downwards gravitational force is equal to the upwards magnetic force.
The tension in the thread is equal to the upwards magnetic force.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the key words and phrases to their explanation.
Match the key words and phrases to their explanation.
Q2.A spring is 10 cm long when there is no force on it. What is its length when it has been extended by 5 cm?
A spring is 10 cm long when there is no force on it. What is its length when it has been extended by 5 cm?
5 cm
10 cm
20 cm
Q3.Which of these allows the readings from a ruler to be used to measure the extension of a spring directly?
Which of these allows the readings from a ruler to be used to measure the extension of a spring directly?
Only use small forces to stretch the spring.
Line up the ruler's zero with the top of the unloaded spring.
Line up the ruler's zero with the top of the fully loaded spring.
Q4.The table shows the results of an experiment to find out how a spring extends. How do the results show that the measurements have been made accurately?
The table shows the results of an experiment to find out how a spring extends. How do the results show that the measurements have been made accurately?
Only small forces have been used.
Repeat measurements have been made.
The extensions are all below 30 cm.
Q5.The table shows the results of an experiment to find out how a spring extends. Which statements can be made from the results?
The table shows the results of an experiment to find out how a spring extends. Which statements can be made from the results?
All springs stretch the same way each time 1 N is added.
All springs stretch the same amount each time 1 N is added.
Q6.The table shows how a spring extends. The spring was originally 10 cm long. Use the results to predict the length of the spring when a force of 10 N is acting on the spring.
The table shows how a spring extends. The spring was originally 10 cm long. Use the results to predict the length of the spring when a force of 10 N is acting on the spring.
10 cm
15 cm
25 cm
100 cm
