An Innovative Approach to Measuring Spring Constants: Utilizing 3D Printing and Sound Sensing with Improved Time Resolution in Data Collection

Abstract

We have carried out spring constant measurements for a single spring, series, parallel, and parallel series spring combination through sound sensing using a microphone of a simple smartphone. Using a 3D printed rod and open-source Windows-based software called 'Audacity', primarily a sound recording and editing software with a least count of 10 microseconds, has drastically improved the accuracy of spring constant measurements. The results obtained are much more accurate than many that have been previously reported. It has also been concluded that sound-based measurements are more exact than magnetic field-based measurements. Using simple devices with no additional software requirements at the time of experimentation makes it a promising proposition for students with humble background. It will encourage them to take their first step towards technological innovation-based learning.