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Materials Science Science Fair Project

String Types and Stretch Under Weight

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String Types and Stretch Under Weight | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Which common string stretches the least when you hang weight from it? You might guess nylon is the strongest. This experiment tests seven types of string to find out. You cut 30-inch pieces of seven different strings. The types range from nylon thread and wax linen to yarn and metallic floss. You tie each one to a cabinet handle and hang matching weights from the bottom. Every minute you add more weight and measure how far the string stretches. The test runs for over ten hours. Polyester stretched the most at 2 centimeters. Cotton embroidery floss stretched only 0.9 centimeters. Wax linen did not stretch at all, making it the strongest string in the test.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that nylon thread will hold the most weight and stretch the least.

Method & Materials

You will cut three pieces of each type of string, tie them to a cabinet handle, and attach weights to the strings. You will time the test for a minute and record the results.
You will need different kinds of strings, nuts, a ruler, paper clips, and a balance.

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Results

After testing for ten hours and 19 minutes, the wax linen string was the strongest because it did not stretch at all. The polyester string stretched the most, which may mean the string is weak.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it shows how different types of strings react to weight and tension.

Also Consider

Experiment variations to consider include testing different lengths of strings and using different types of weights.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

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