PURPOSE: To show static series and parallel combinations of springs.
DESCRIPTION: Two springs of equal spring constant k are combined in series and in parallel. By measuring the extension of the spring combination one can determine the effective spring constants:
k(parallel) = k(1) + k(2)
1/k(series) = 1/k(1) + 1/k(2)
SUGGESTIONS:
EQUIPMENT: Frame with two identical brass springs, two 200 g masses, spring coupling stick, and two-meter scale, as photographed.
SETUP TIME: 5 min.