We can often find beautifully complex phenomena hidden in seemingly basic systems. This column describes a sequence of experiments that introductory students can undertake to explore elastic systems. The three experiments are all stylistically unique, but they share the feature of guided inquiry, posing a problem for the students, and allowing them the freedom to investigate.
References
1.
“
Springs – Two Springs in Series
,” Wolfram ScienceWorld
, http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/SpringsTwoSpringsinSeries.html.2.
“
Springs – Two Springs in Parallel
,” Wolfram ScienceWorld
, http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/SpringsTwoSpringsinParallel.html.3.
M.
Maloney
, “The Thrill of a G.I. Joe’s Lifetime
,” Prettygood physics.org
(2003
), https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u5wI_DC9XKJPXNrUhLLhdBQOkZzkDCS5/view.4.
K.
Podolak
and C.
Lamsal
, “Selecting your reference potential energy in a vertically hanging spring
!” Phys. Teach.
56
, 569
(Dec.
2018
).5.
Desmos: Online graphing calculator
, https://www.desmos.com/.6.
For another example of a spring with a nonlinear response used in the introductory classroom setting, see
Sumiaki
Nakano
, “Utilization of a simple educational tool in science education: The V-shape spring
,” Phys. Teach.
57
, 387
(Sept.
2019
).7.
R.
Cross
, “Elastic properties of Plasticine, Silly Putty, and tennis strings
,” Phys. Teach.
50
, 527
(Dec.
2012
).8.
D.
Roundy
and M.
Rogers
, “Exploring the thermodynamics of a rubber band
,” Am. J. Phys.
81
, 20
(Jan.
2013
).9.
C. A.
Triana
and F.
Fajardo
, “Dependence of some mechanical properties of elastic bands on the length and load time
,” Eur. J. Phys.
33
, 771
(2012
).10.
“
Elastic Hysteresis of a Rubber Band
,” Vernier: Innovative Uses
, https://www.vernier.com/innovate/elastic-hysteresis-of-a-rubber-band/.© 2019 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2019
American Association of Physics Teachers
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