Procedure Intro

In this experiment, you will be:

• working separate from your partner
• analyzing a spring and elastic band that is different from your partner's
• collecting data with both a mechanical spring scale and a digital force sensor
• recording data into a table as well as onto a graph at the same time

In working with the digital force sensor

• The software is run from a link under the Physics lab web browser favorites, ForceIntro
• The software is designed to give correct readings when the range switch on the force sensor is set to 10 N
• The sensor needs to be set to read zero for zero force. Do this by pressing the "zero" button in the software with no force applied. 
• You are encouraged to become accustomed with the software and try different things with it. This software will be used in a variety of experiments

In working with the mechanical spring scale

• The scale has an unusual increment that is difficult to read. Take your time with making measurements even to the extent of recording in your notes what you saw.
• Use the Newton measurements of the scale

Of note

• Although your experiment is expected to follow a linear relation (Hooke's law), this may in fact only hold in a limited region.
• Always separate analysis from data. Record data as honestly and completely as possible. Then, as a separate step, consider the data in context of your objective (the analysis or results step).
• Position is data as it is directly measured. Displacement is a result, calculated from two position measurements.