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\r\n Introduction\r\n
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A spring is a mechanical device that stores mechanical energy when it is compressed or stretched. When a force is applied to a spring, it deforms and the energy is stored in the spring. When the force is removed, the spring returns to its original shape and the stored energy is released.
\r\n Springs are typically made of metals and are used in in a variety of mechanical systems such as suspensions, mechanical clocks, and toys.
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\r\n \r\n \r\n Force in a Spring: Hooke's Law\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n You may have noticed that when a spring is subjected to an external force, it compresses or stretches, and its length changes. The deformation in the spring is related to the applied force. This relationship is known as Hooke's law (named after british physicist Robert Hooke).
\r\n Hooke, while experimenting with springs, found that the force required to stretch or compress a spring is linearly proportional to the amount of extension or compression in the spring.\r\n Mathematically, Hooke's law can be expressed as:\r\n $$ F \\propto x $$\r\n where \\(x = l - l_0\\) is the extension or compression of the spring (equal to deformed length minus original length).
\r\n Expressed as an equality (by introducing a proportionality constant \\(k\\)):\r\n $$ F = k (l- l_0)$$\r\n where \\(F\\) is the force applied on the spring, \\(l\\) is the deformed length and \\(l_0\\) is the original length of spring. The constant \\(k\\) in the equation is known as spring constant, and is a measure of the stiffness of the spring.\r\n \r\n \n \r\n
\r\n \r\n English scientist and engineer Robert Hooke discovered the relationship between the deformation and forces in a spring.\r\n
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\r\n Lesson Plan\r\n
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\r\n This module on springs consists of three lessons. Each lesson comes with a visually interactive illustrations that offers students a uniquely engaging and effective learning experience.\r\n
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Lesson 1 | Force & Energy in a Spring
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\r\n Learn about the force and stored energy in a spring.\r\n
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Lesson 2 | System of Springs
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\r\n Learn to calculate the effective stiffness of a system of springs connected in series or parallel.\r\n
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Lesson 2 | Spring-Mass System
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\r\n Learn about the oscillations of spring-mass systems.\r\n
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\r\n Let's get started\r\n
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\r\n Check out our library of meticulously crafted lessons on springs. These specially designed lessons use visuo-spatiality and interactivity to help students improve engagement and retain concepts.\r\n
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