Springs in Series and Parallel (Series: 1/k_eff = 1/k₁ + 1/k₂. Parallel: k_eff = k₁ + k₂)
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Series: 1/k_eff = 1/k₁ + 1/k₂. Parallel: k_eff = k₁ + k₂
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| k_eff | Effective spring constant of combination (N/m) |
| k₁, k₂ | Individual spring constants (N/m) |
When to use this
Series: same force, extensions add → softer (k_eff < min(k₁,k₂)). Parallel: same extension, forces add → stiffer (k_eff > max(k₁,k₂)). Two springs on either side of a block = parallel combination. Cutting a spring of constant k into n equal parts gives each part constant nk.