The spring constant for a single spring that replaces a configuration of springs is called its effective spring constant. Write an expression for the effective spring constant for a side-by-side spring configuration in terms of the two spring constants k1 and k2. Write an expression for the effective spring constant for an end-to-end spring configuration in terms of the two spring constants k1 and k2. Is the effective spring constant larger when the two springs are connected side-by-side or end-to-end?  Explain your reasoning.

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The spring constant for a single spring that replaces a configuration of springs is called its effective spring constant.

  1. Write an expression for the effective spring constant for a side-by-side spring configuration in terms of the two spring constants k1 and k2.
  2. Write an expression for the effective spring constant for an end-to-end spring configuration in terms of the two spring constants k1 and k2.

Is the effective spring constant larger when the two springs are connected side-by-side or end-to-end?  Explain your reasoning.

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