Read from the unloaded end
Extension is the extra stretch beyond the unloaded spring length.
Spring Stretch Station
Load ideal springs and measure extension while staying inside the elastic range.
Grades 3–5 · Physics
Your goal
Choose a 10 N/m spring and measure an extension of 20 cm. Adjust the load force within the elastic range.
Reduced motion is on. The controls still update the scene.
Current extension is 0 cm under 0 N. The 20 N/m spring stores 0.00 J of elastic energy. The model stays within a 50 cm elastic extension.
N
This is static equilibrium for an ideal Hooke law spring. Load force already includes the effect of gravity on the hanging load. Controls cap extension at 50 cm, the assumed elastic limit. Changing spring stiffness may reduce a load that would exceed this limit.
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Learn with Spring Stretch Station
Spring Stretch Station introduces elementary students to elastic stretching through a hanging spring and a clear extension ruler. Choose a spring stiffness, adjust the downward load force, and record the resulting extension. The unloaded end remains marked, helping children measure extra stretch instead of total spring length. Goals ask for particular extensions with different springs and encourage fair comparisons. Doubling the force doubles the extension within the modelled elastic range, while a stiffer spring stretches less. Controls keep every experiment inside the assumed elastic limit so Hooke law remains applicable.
What to look for
Double the force
Within the elastic range, doubling force doubles extension for one spring.
Compare stiffness
A stiffer spring stretches less under the same load force.
For teachers and curious learners
Connect load force, spring stiffness and elastic extension through Hooke law. Ask students to predict what will happen, change one setting, and explain what they observe. Learn gives a starting point. Practice and Challenge offer new goals with the same scene.
Static equilibrium follows force equals stiffness times extension. Controls cap extension at an assumed elastic limit of 50 cm. Spring mass and oscillations are ignored.