Contents

Code Experiment Page

PROPERTIES OF MATTER

Introduction to Graphs ……………….……………….. 4

1 Measurement of Fundamental Quantities …..…… 6
2 Archimedes’s principle ……………………………….. 15
3 Free Fall ……………………………………………….…… 21
4 Simple Pendulum …………………………………..…… 25
5 Hooke’s Law (computer) ......................................... 31
6 Verification of Boyle's Law of Gases (computer)….34

7 Hooke’s Law……………………………………… 37

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 Introduction to Graphs

Wherever possible, the results of an experiment should be

presented in graphical form. Not only does a graph provide the best
means of averaging a set of observations but also the dependence
between the quantities is clearly shown. In plotting the results, the
dependent variable should be plotted as ordinates on the y-axis and
the independent variable as abscissa on the x-axis. The scale used
should be a convenient one for arithmetical work and should be
sufficiently extensive for the graph to occupy a wide sweep of space
available.

Each point on the graph is an actual observation, and should be

made to stand out by surrounding it with a small circle. The departure
of the point from the final curve is a measure of the experimental
error in that observations should be taken over as wide range as
possible, and the graph confined to the limits of the observations. In
taking gradients, the full range of the graph (if a straight line) should
be used, and for extrapolated values, the graph is continued as a
broken line and the result followed by the statement “extrapolated
value indicating that it is outside the limits of actual observations”

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The straight line equation:

Most of the relations which we will be dealing with are linear

relation, the general formula of the straight line in standard notation
is:
y=mx
x: the independent variable and is plotted on the x-axis.
y: the dependent variable and is plotted on the y-axis.
m: the slope of the line.

Example:

From the figure:

Δy
Slope =
Δx

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 Experiment No. ( 1 )

Measurement of Fundamental Quantities

Our understanding of the physical universe ultimately depends

on measurements of distance, length and time. Such measurements
are always subject to some uncertainty. In this laboratory exercise,
you will acquaint yourself with some fundamental measurement
techniques. You will also be introduced to some elementary
methods for treating the errors associated with these measurements.

Mass
Mass is a fundamental unit of measurement. We know it is
"stuff" that takes up space and has a volume.

A unit of mass is established by taking an arbitrary amount of

a material and defining it as 1 unit. The unit of mass in the metric
system is 1 kilogram. In the English system, the effect of gravity on
a unit of mass is measured, such that 1 pound is the unit of weight in
that system.

Mass is usually denoted by the symbol m.

Determination of a mass of a body by means of the balance

1- Make sure that the pans of the balance are clean and dry.
2- Level the balance case by means of the leveling screws.
3- Turn the handle of the balance so as to release the beam, and see
that the beam rests without constraint on the knife-edges.
4- Observe the mean positions of the pointer on the scale as the
beam swings from side to side.
5- Use the screw to stop the swinging of the balance when the
pointer is near the mean position.
6- Place the unknown mass on the left hand pan, and place in the
middle of the right-hand pan weights estimated to be enough to
counter balance the load on the left.

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 7- Count the weights as they lie on the scale-pan and record the
result.
8- Return the weights which are used in its exact position in the
box.
9- You must determine the weight very accurate of milligram.
10- Do not put any hot body in the pan.
11- Do not put or pull the weight from the balance pan if the handle
of the balance is pulled up.

Time
Time is a fundamental unit of measurement. It is often
considered the fourth dimension in the space-time continuum. The
only way time can be measured is to use some regular periodic
motion and define one period the value of 1 unit. The unit time is 1
second. In the laboratory we use stop watch to measure the time.

Time is often denoted as the symbol t.

Distance or length
Distance or length is a fundamental unit of measurement. It is
one of three dimensions in space. The only way distance can be
measured is to establish some arbitrary length and assign it a value
of 1 unit.
Distance is usually denoted by the symbol d.

The meter is the unit of length in the metric system. A

kilometer is simply 1000 meters. In the English system the inch is
usually considered the unit of length, because larger units such as
the foot or yard are made up of inches.

Area is length time's width, with the units of square meters,

square inches or such.

Volume is length time’s width time’s height, the units of cubic

meters, cubic inches or such.

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 1- Dimensional Measurements Using Vernier Calipers

A caliper (British spelling also caliper) is a device used to

measure the distance between two symmetrically opposing sides. A
caliper can be as simple as a compass with inward or outward facing
points. The tips of the caliper are adjusted to fit across the points to
be measured, the caliper is then removed and the distance read by
measuring between the tips with a measuring tool, such as a ruler.
They are used in many fields such as metalworking, mechanical
engineering, hand-loading, woodworking, and in medicine.

11-1 Uses of a vernier caliper

It’s used in measuring the external and internal dimensions
and it is also used in the depth measurements.
External
Measurements
Internal
Measurements

Depth
Measurements

11-2 Parts of a vernier caliper:

1- Outside jaws: used to measure external diameter or width of

an object.
2- Inside jaws: used to measure internal diameter of an object.
3- Depth probe: used to measure depths of an object or a hole.
4- Main scale: gives measurements of up to one decimal place
(in cm).
5- Main scale: gives measurements in fraction (in inch).
6- Vernier: gives measurements up to two decimal places
(in cm).
7- Vernier gives measurements in fraction (in inch).

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 8- Retainer: used to block movable part to allow the easy
transferring a measurement
A variation to the more traditional caliper is the inclusion of a
vernier scale; this makes it possible to directly obtain a more precise
measurement.
The vernier calipers can measure internal dimensions (using
the uppermost jaws in the picture at right), external dimensions
using the pictured lower jaws, and depending on the manufacturer,
depth measurements by the use of a probe that is attached to the
movable head and slides along the centre of the body.

11-3 How to read measurement from vernier caliper:

The vernier calipers are useful for precise measurements of
length and can be used to measure inside diameters, outside
diameters and depth. Your instructor will demonstrate each type of
measurement.

The sliding scale of the vernier calipers is shown in the

following figure and is read by adding the results from the major
division, the minor division, and the aligned hash mark on the
sliding scale.

Total = 1 + 0.3 + 0.035 = 1.335 cm

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Example:

Major A 24 mm = 2.4 cm
Minor B 0.62 mm
Total A+B 24 + 0.62 = 24.62 mm

Exercise:
Read the following measurement of the vernier calipers

(A)

Accuracy =
Value =

(B)

Accuracy =
Value =

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 2- Dimensional Measurements Using the Micrometer
Micrometers have 1.0 mm scale divisions above the reading
line and 0.5 mm scale divisions below it. When taking a reading
with a micrometer, tighten the thimble until the sample to be
measured, at its widest point, can just barely slip from the anvil at
spindle. Never tighten thimble so as to force the micrometer closed
either on itself, or around a sample.

There are 50 divisions on the thimble, and the thimble moves

out along the sleeve by 0.5 mm in each rotation. Therefore, each
division represents 0.01 mm (0.001 cm). Two complete rotations are
therefore necessary to move the thimble a distance of 1 mm.

When taking a reading, be careful to note whether the thimble

is in its first or second rotation you can do this by examining
whether the last visible scale division is above the reading line (first
rotation) or below the reading line (second rotation). Note that the
11 mm mark is visible (above the reading line) but that there is an
additional 5 mm scale marker visible (below the reading line). This
means that the thimble is in its “second rotation” in this case this
means that the final reading will be 11 mm + 0.5 mm (complete first
rotation) + 0.33 mm (because the 33rd division lines up with the
reading line).

2-1 How to read measurement from micrometer:

1- Take the reading from the line and suppose it A.

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 2- If the reading of the sleeve is visible, then B = 0.5 mm, if it is
not visible put B = 0 mm as shown in figure B = 0.5 mm.
3- Take the reading of thimble (dial) C = 0.33 mm.
Total = A + B + C = 11 + 0.5 + 0.33 = 11.83 mm = 1.183 cm

Example:

A = 7.00 mm B = 0.00 mm C = 38 × 0.01 = 0.38 mm

Total = A + B + C = 7.0 + 0.00 + 0.38 = 7.38 mm

Exercise:

(A)

A= B= C=
Total = A + B + C =

(B)

A= B= C=
Total = A + B + C =

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 3- Spherometer

3-1 Description of the Spherometer

The spherometer is a precision instrument to measure the
radius of a sphere. Its name reflects the way it is used to measure the
radii of curvature of spherical surfaces of a lens.

In general the spherometer consists of:

1- A base circle of three outer legs placed at the corners of an
equilateral triangle.
2- Through the center of the circle passes a screw forming a
fourth leg which can be raised or lowered.
3- The head of the screw has a graduated disk of 100 divisions
used to measure fractional turns of the screw.
4- A vertical scale used to measure the height of the curvature of
the surface. The vertical scale division is 1 mm.

3-2 Measuring the radius of curvature R

1- The sperometer is placed on the slab of glass, and the center

leg is screwed down until its point just touches the glass
surface. In this position the zeros of the two scales should
coincide. If this is not the case, however, the zero error must
be found from the mean of several settings.

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 2- Screw up the central leg and place the spherometer with its three
outer legs on the curved surface.
3- Screw down the center leg until it just touches the curved
mirror, and the reading of the two scales is taken to be (h).
4- Press the spherometer on to a piece of paper, and the average
distance (l) between the center and outer legs obtained.
5- Repeat step (4) several times and take the average of readings.
6- Determine the radius of curvature from the relation
a2 h
R= +
6h 2
Experimental results:
Zero reading =
Readings of h =
Average readings of h =
Readings of l =
Average readings of l =
Radius of curvature
a2 h
R= +
6h 2
Since, the focal length of curvature surface f
R
f = =
2
Power of the curvature surface P
100
P= =
f

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 Experiment No. ( 2 )

Archimedes’s principle

Objectives:

1- Verification of Archimedes’s principle.

2- Determination of the specific gravity of a body immersed in
water and another one floated on water.

Theory:

Archimedes’s Principle:
“When body is immersed in a liquid it experiences an up-thrust
force (Fb) equals to the weight of the displaced liquid which its
volume equals the volume of the body”.
Or:
“When body is immersed in a liquid, its weight is decreased by
weight of the displaced liquid”.

To prove this principle, suppose the density

of a liquid is ρ. Take a volume of the liquid
in form of cylinder its cross section is A and
the height of the water is h. The weight of
the liquid in this volume is W = ρ V g, since
the liquid is in its equilibrium state, all the
vertical forces cancel each others. The
horizontal forces are

1- A force due to the weight of the liquid WL and its direction is

downward.
W L↓ = V ρ L g (1)

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 2- Another force due to the difference in pressure and its direction
is upward.
Fb↑ = A (P2 – P1)
= A (h2 – h1) ρL g
= A h ρL g
= V ρL g (2)
From equations (1) and (2) the up-thrust force equals the
weight of the displaced water.
If you replaced the liquid cylinder with a solid body whose
volume is V and its density is ρs, thus the weight of the body will be
Ws↓ = m g = V ρs g
Since,
Fb↑ = V ρL g
the net forces acting on the body are
F = Fb↑ – Ws↓
= V ρL g – V ρs g = (ρL – ρs) V g (3)
From equation (3) there are three cases to the body
1. If Ws > Fb , the body will immerse in the water.
2. If Ws = Fb , the body will hang in the water.
3. If Ws > Fb , the body will float on the water surface.

The specific gravity ρ (relative density) of a body is defined as

the ratio of a density of the material to that of the water at same
temperature.
weight of a certain volume of the material
spesificgravity =
weight of the same volume of water
weight of solidbody
=
weight of water displaced by the body
weight of the body
=
up - thrust forcedue to water
weight of the body in air
=
weight of the body in air− weight of the body in water

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Apparatus:

A solid body – beaker – Archimedes’s bridge – sensitive

balance – weights – solid body of specific gravity smaller than that
of water (floating body as cork).

I- Verification of Archimedes’s principle

Experimental procedure:

1- Measure the dimensions of regular solid body.

2- Determine the volume of the body.
3- Hang the solid body by a
thread in a balance and find
the weight of the body in air
m1 (gm).
4- Immerse the solid body
totally in water, using the
bridge, without touching the
bottom and walls of the
beaker, then find the weight
of solid body in water m2 (gm).

Experimental results:

The dimensions of the body =

Volume of the body V =
Weight of the body in air m1 =
Weight of the body in water m2 =
The up-thrust force m1 – m2 =
Density of water ρ=
since the up-thrust force = volume of the body × density of water
which verifies Archimedes’s principle.

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 II- Determination of specific gravity of a solid body immersed
in water

Experimental procedure:

1- Find the weight of the solid body in air ma (gm).

2- Immerse the solid body totally in water, using Archimedes’s
bridge, without touching the bottom and walls of the beaker,
then find the weight of solid body in water mw (gm).
3- Calculate the specific gravity of the solid body, σs, immersed
in water.

Experimental results:

Weight of solid body in air ma =

Weight of solid body in water mw =
Specific gravity of the solid body σs =
ma
 =
ma −m w
s

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 III- Determination of specific gravity of a body that floats on
water (as cork):

Since the body floats on water, it is necessary to use sinker in

order to immerse the body completely (use the body in the above
method as a sinker).
Experimental procedure:

1- Find the weight of cork in air m a (gm).

2- Find the weight of cork and sinker together in water m (gm).
3- Calculate the weight of cork in water mw = m−m w (gm).
4- Calculate the specific gravity of cork σc.

Experimental results:

Weight of cork in air ma =

Weight of cork and sinker in water m =

Weight of cork in water mw =

Specific gravity of cork σc =

m
 = a

m −m
c

a w

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- 20 -
 Experiment No. ( 3 )

Free Fall

Objective:

Determination of the acceleration due to gravity (g) using the

free fall method.

Theory:

When air resistance is negligible all bodies near the earth's

surface fall with the same constant acceleration denoted by the
symbol g. Thus any object which is moving and being acted upon
only by the force of gravity is said to be "free falling".

The displacement of the body undergoing motion with constant

acceleration can be described by the following equation:
r = Vo t + ½ at2 (1)
where r is the distance moved by the body, Vo is its initial velocity, a
is the constant acceleration of motion, and t is the time elapsed.
If the motion is conducted under the effect of the acceleration of
gravity, equation (1) becomes:
Y = Vot + ½ g t2 (2)
If the object is dropped from rest, its initial velocity Vo is equal to
zero and equation (2) becomes:
Y = ½ g t2 (3)

According to equation (3) a relation between the distance of the free

falling on the y-axis and the square of the time elapsed on the x-axis
is straight line passing with the origin as shown in Fig. (1). The

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slope of this straight line gives the half of the acceleration of
gravity, g.
Y (cm)

g = 2 × slope

t2 (sec2)
Fig.(1)

Apparatus:
A free falling body instrument consisting of: a metallic
meter ruler, a simple digital timer, two photo gates and steel ball
(falling body of the experiment) as shown in Fig. (2).

Fig. (2)

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Experimental procedure:

1- Switch on the digital timer.

2- Choose a suitable height Y, say 100 cm from the upper photo
gate to the second photo gate.
3- Put the key of the digital timer at attract and carefully place the
steel ball on the lower end of the electromagnet.
4- Put the start key at release, the ball then falls freely under the
effect of gravity into the basket passing through the photo
gates.
5- After the sphere leaves the electromagnet, there are three times
appearing on the screen of the timer. The first one (1) refers to
the time of falling from the point of release to the first photo
gate while the second time (2) is that of motion from the start
point to the second photo gate. The difference t (1-2) is the
third time that is appears on the screen.
6- Read the time, t of the free fall as indicated on the screen of
the digital timer. Record, Y and time, t in the provided table.
7- Take at least three readings of the time at the distance, Y and
take the average.
8- Repeat the above steps by changing the height Y and find in
each case the corresponding time, t.
9- Plot a graph between the height Y and the square of the
average of the corresponding times of the free falling t2 on the
graph paper.
10- Find the slope of the straight line from which calculate the
value of the acceleration of gravity, g using the relation:

g = 2×slope cm/sec2

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Experimental results:

Y t1 t2 t3 tav t2
(cm) (sec) (sec) (sec) (sec) (sec2)

slope =

g = 2×slope =

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 Experiment No. ( 4 )

Simple Pendulum

Objective:

Determination of the acceleration due to gravity using a simple

pendulum.

Theory:
A simple Pendulum is a small bob tied to the end of a long
string of length L cm whose other end is fixed. When displaced with
a small angle θ from its equilibrium position, it executes Simple
Harmonic Motion (S.H.M.).

T
L

Fig.(1)

If m is the mass of the bob and θ is the displacement, the

forces acted on m are theweight mg, where g is the acceleration of
gravity, and the tension of the string T as shown in Fig.(1).
By analyzing the weight mg into two components:
1- In direction of string = mg cos θ which is equal to tension T.
2- In perpendicular direction of string = mg sin θ. Thus the force
which is acted on m is given by
F = – mg sin θ (1)

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The negative sign means that the bob is directed toward the
equilibrium position. Since θ is small, therefore sin θ ≈ θ, Equation
(1) becomes
F = – mg θ (2)
Applying Newton’s second law  F =ma , (where a is the
magnitude of the mass’s acceleration), to the perpendicular
component of string we get
F= ma (3)
From equations (2) and (3)
a=–gθ

but, θ = X/L , therefore

a = – g (X/L) (4)

On the other hand the equation of S.H.M. is known as

a = – ω2 X (5)
where ω is known as the angular frequency. Thus by comparing
equations (4) and (5) we get
ω 2 = g /L (6)
since ω = 2 π f and f is the frequency. In addition
f = 1/ t (7)
where t is the periodic time for one revolution. Substituting
from equation (7) into equation (6) we have

 2  2 g
  =
 t  L
L (8)
t 2 = 4 2
g

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 If we plot t2 on the x-axis and L on the y-axis, we get straight
T 2 (Fig. 2).
line passes through the origin and has a slope
L
Substituting in equation (8) we can determine the acceleration of
gravity.
t2 sec2

L cm
Fig. (2)

Apparatus:

Simple pendulum – stand and clamp – metal rule – stop

watch.

Experimental procedure:

1- Measure the length of the pendulum from the hanging point

to the center of the mass.
NOTE: this length must be not less than 30 cm (add the
radius of the bob).
2- Move the bob a small distance horizontally, then find the
time of 10 complete cycles t10 sec, remember that the angle
must be very small.
3- Calculate the time of one complete revolution t = t10/10 sec.

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4- Square the time of one complete cycle, t 2 sec2.
5- Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 for different lengths L cm.
6- Write down your readings in the provided table.
7- Plot a graph between L (x-axis) and t 2 (y-axis).
8- Determine the slope, and then calculate g.

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 Experimental results:

t10 sec Average t = t 10/10 t2

L cm
reading (1) reading (2) reading (3) t10 sec sec sec2

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2
t
slope= =
L
L
g = 4 2
t2 2
4
= =
slope

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- 30 -
 Experiment No. ( 5 )

Hooke’s Law (computer)

Objectives:

1- Verification Hooke's Law (The relation between force and

stretch for a spring).
2- Calculation of the force constant k.
3- Determination of the specific gravity of solid body.

Theory:

If weight is added to a spring, it will be stretched a distance

depending up on the applied weight. When the weight (force) is
removed and the spring returns to its original length. The spring in
this case is called an elastic body.
From the above, the materials can be divided into two types:
1- Elastic materials, the materials which return to its original
shape and dimensions after removing the applied force.
2- Non-elastic (plastic) materials, the materials which do not
return to its original shape and dimension after removing the
applied force.
The force per unit area is called the stress and the relative
change in dimension to its original length is called the strain.

Hooke's Law gives the relationship between the force applied

to a non-stretched spring and the amount of the spring extension
when the force is applied.

Hooke's law states that the relative change in dimension (ΔL)

is proportional to the applied force (F). If the force applied to a body
goes beyond a certain value known as the elastic limit, the law is not
valid.

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 The ratio between the stress and the strain is called elasticity
modulus (Young’s Modulus)
stress F A
E= = (1)
strain L L
mg A
E= (2)
L L
From equation (1), (2)
EA
F= L
L
F L
F = k L
F
k=
(3)
L
where k is called the spring constant.
If a graph of F (x-axis) against ΔL (y-axis) is drawn, a straight
line that passes through the origin is obtained, its slope = L .
F
Substituting in equation (3) the value of the spring constant is
determined.

Apparatus:

Hooke's apparatus (Fig. 1)–

metallic loads – ruler – computer-
force sensor.

Verifying Hooke's Law

Experimental procedure:
Fig.(1)
1- Connecting the computer to the interface and placing the force
sensor in it.
2- Open the data stadio program and select the creat experiment.
We will notice the presence of force in the existing data.

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3- We go to set up and from there we activate the keep data value
to add the elongation and activate it and write stretch and its
unit m and convert the force from the force puch instead of the
force pull.
4- We pull a table from display, pull the force in it, then put
another box for elongation.
5- We draw a graph from display to graph and place force on the
x-axis and elongation on the y-axis.
6- We put the spring in the force sensor and put its last end on the
ruler zero.
7- We press start and then keep to record the first value in the
absence of weights.
8- We put a weight of 20gm, then press keep, and record the
elongation value from the ruler after converting it to the meter.
9- We repeat this step several times for different weights 40, 60,
80,100gm, and we find the graph a linear relationship passing
through (0, 0).
10- To get the slope we press fit, and from it we choose liner fit.
11- We substitute in the following relationship:

F
k= = 1
L slope

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 Experiment No. ( 6 )

Verification of Boyle's Law of Gases

Objective:

Studying the relationship between the volume and the pressure

of a given gas (air) at constant temperature.

Theory:

The pressure (P), volume (V), and temperature (T) of a gas are
related to each other by the general gas equation which states that:
PV
= constant
T
P1V1 P2V2 = P3V3 …………………. and so on
i.e. =
T1 T2 T3

where P, V, and T represent different sets of pressure, volume and

temperature of certain mass of the gas.

Boyle's law is a specific case of this equation where the

temperature is constant (isothermal) i.e. T1=T2 thus we have:
P1V1=P2V2=P3V3 ………..……. and so on
This means that PV= constant and this constant is equal to nRT.
where:
n: is the number of moles of the gas
R: is the universal Gas Constant = 8.315 j/k.mole
T: is the temperature of the gas in Kelvine, T(oK)=T(oC)+273.
Then:
PV=nRT
Or in other form:
1
P =(nRT )
V

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Boyle's law states that: "The pressure of an enclosed gas is inversely
proportional to its volume at a constant temperature".
Graphically Boyle's law is represented in Fig. (1)

Fig. (1)

Apparatus:

Syringe - interface computer - - pressure sensor

Experimental procedure:

1- Connecting the computer to the interface and placing the pressure

sensor in it.
2- Open the data stadio program and choose the creat experiment.
We will notice the presence of pressure in the existing data.
3- We enter the set up from which we activate the keep data value to
add the volume and activate it and write the volum and its unit ml.
4- We pull a table from display, press it, then put another box, the
size.
5- We draw a graph from the display to the graph and place the
volume on the x axis and pressure on the y axis.
6- Put the syringe in the pressure sensor.

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7- We press start and make the syringe volume 25ml then keep
to record the first value.
8- We repeat this step several times for different sizes 23,21,19, ml
... we find the graph an inverse relationship.

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 Experiment No. ( 7)

Hooke’s Law

Objectives:

1- Verification Hooke's Law (The relation between force and

stretch for a spring).
2- Calculation of the force constant k.
3- Determination of the specific gravity of solid body.

Theory:

If weight is added to a spring, it will be stretched a distance

depending up on the applied weight. When the weight (force) is
removed and the spring returns to its original length. The spring in
this case is called an elastic body.
From the above, the materials can be divided into two types:
1- Elastic materials, the materials which return to its original
shape and dimensions after removing the applied force.
2- Non-elastic (plastic) materials, the materials which do not
return to its original shape and dimension after removing the
applied force.
The force per unit area is called the stress and the relative
change in dimension to its original length is called the strain.

Hooke's Law gives the relationship between the force applied

to a non-stretched spring and the amount of the spring extension
when the force is applied.

Hooke's law states that the relative change in dimension (ΔL)

is proportional to the applied force (F). If the force applied to a body
goes beyond a certain value known as the elastic limit, the law is not
valid.
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 The ratio between the stress and the strain is called elasticity
modulus (Young’s Modulus)
stress F A
E= = (1)
strain L L
mg A
E= (2)
L L
From equation (1), (2)
EA
F= L
L
F L
F = k L
m
k = g
(3)
L
where k is called the spring constant.
If a graph of m (x-axis) against ΔL (y-axis) is drawn, a straight
line that passes through the origin is obtained, its slope = L .
m
Substituting in equation (3) the value of the spring constant is
determined.

Apparatus:

Hooke's apparatus (Fig. 1)

with a scale-pan – metallic loads –
ruler.

Verifying Hooke's Law

Experimental procedure:
Fig.(1)
1- Hang the spring freely.
2- Record the reading of pointer (end of spring) when the pan is
empty, Lo.

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 3- Record the reading of pointer in the absence of the pan, L o.
4- Put 10 gm weight in the pan and record the reading of the
pointer, L1.
5- Repeat the above step by increments of 10 gm up to a total of
100 gm and record the reading of the pointer for each mass, L1.
6- Repeat steps (4) and (5) by decreasing weights and record the
pointer reading, L2, for each weight then take the average,
L = ( L1+ L2) /2
7- Find the extension for each weight in the case of pan,
L=L - Lo
8- Find the extension for each weight in the absence of pan,
L =L - Lo
9- Draw a relation between the mass, m (gm), on the x-axis and
the extension, L (cm), on the y-axis in the case of pan. You
will obtain a straight line passes through the origin which
verifying Hooke's Law.
10- Calculate the slope, ΔL/m, in the case of pan graph and
determine the spring constant, k.
11- Plot a graph between the mass, m (gm), on the x-axis and the
extension, L (cm), on the y-axis in the absence of pan. You
will obtain a straight line which does not pass through the
origin but intersects with the x-axis at a certain value which
determines the mass of the pan (Fig.2).

Fig.(2)

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Experimental results:

Lo =
L o =

Pointer readings Extension

Average
Pointer In the In the
m gm Load Load case of absence of
increasing decreasing reading
L cm pan pan
L1 cm L2 cm
L cm Lcm
10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

L
slope= =
m
m
k= g= 1 g
L slope
1
= 980
slope
=

- 40 -
I- Determination of the specific gravity of solid body

From the above results, we can determine the unknown mass by

using the Hooke's apparatus and the graph between m and L.

Experimental procedure:

1- Hang the solid body in air, s, in the spring and record the
pointer’s reading, Ls.
2- Determine the extension caused by the solid body,Ls= Ls –Lo.
3- From the graph between m and L find the mass of the solid
body in air ma.
4- Immerse the solid body in the water and record the pointer’s
reading, Ls.
5- Determine the extension caused by the solid body that is
immersed in the water, Ls= Ls –Lo and find, from the graph,
the mass of the solid body in water mw.
6- Calculate the specific gravity of solid body σ.

= ma
ma − m w

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Experimental results:

The pointer’s reading when the solid body is in the air Ls =

The extension in the air Ls =
The corresponding mass in the air ma =

The pointer’s reading when the solid body is immersed in the

water L s =

The extension in the water Ls =

mw =
The corresponding mass in the water

The specific gravity of the solid body σ=

σ=
𝑚𝑎
= 𝑚𝑎−𝑚𝑤

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- 43 -