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Springs In Series And Parallel

Purpose

To show static series and parallel combinations of springs.

Equipment

Frame with two identical brass springs, two 200 g masses, spring coupling stick, and two-meter scale, as photographed.

Setup Time

5 min.

Images

b4-03

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)

References

(PIRA 1R10.30.)