We have learned that a force is required to change the motion of an object. Springs provide a particularly fun way to study changes in motion. The popular Slinky toy is basically a spring, and offers a good example of a combination of motions that will be useful in probing several fundamental science concepts. Here you will study different types of springs, and investigate the relation between force, mass and the acceleration due to the Earth s gravity. These two basic types of springs are called extension and compression springs.
Classification is basic to doing science.
Frequently we study a large variety of objects, and by sorting and grouping the objects, we can explore patterns and relationships among the subgroups. As in any science, after initial classification into categories and sub-categories, exploration of relationships among variables can lead to the discovery of regular patterns in the way one variable depends on another. Often such studies can lead to fundamental generalizations or laws in nature. Here you will study whether there a basic law that can describe the extent that your Slinky stretches when a force is applied to it. The force will be the weight of pennies suspended from your Slinky.