Two springs can be combined in series or in parallel. Find the force constant of each combination.
SEE ATTACHMENT #1 for a diagram of the springs and both arrangements.
Spring A has force constant kA= 60 nt/m. Spring B has force constant kB= 40 nt/m.
The two springs attached end to end form a series combination with force constant Ks.
The two springs attached side by side so that a force applied to the ends stretches both springs, form a parallel combination with force constant Kp.
PART a. Find Ks, the force constant of the series combination.
PART b. Find Kp, the force constant of the parallel combination.
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Solution Preview
The general relationship between applied force and deformation of a perfectly elastic object such as a spring is:
(1) F = k x, in which F is the force applied to stretch or compress the spring, x is the amount of stretch or compression, and k is its 'force constant'.
PART a.
Step 1.
A solution best begins with a careful diagram of the event. Fig. 1 in ATTACHMENT #1 shows that since the force constants are different, the springs' stretch ...
Solution Summary
The force constant of the series and parallel combinations are examined. In a step by step solution, the problem is explained and solved.