Chapter 14.1, Problem 10SSC

To determine

The way to find the spring that has a larger spring constant.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A fundamental relation that explains how a weight on a spring stretches that spring is called as Hooke's law.

Hooke's Law basically determines the force that is needed to extend a spring by some distance which is proportional to that distance.

Hooke's law is given by equation

Where,

F is the spring force, k is the spring constant and x is the spring displacement.

In case one can place the similar quantity mass on the two springs, which means that the similar force has been placed on them, the one that stretches least has the largest spring constant.

Conclusion:

Hence, by hanging the same object from both springs, the one that will be stretched less will have the larger spring constant.