Use the formula: $\frac{1}{k_{\text {eq, series }}}=\sum_{i} \frac{1}{k_{i}}=\frac{1}{k_{1}}+\frac{1}{k_{2}}+\ldots$

Use the formula: $k_{\text {eq, parallel }}=\sum_{i} k_{i}=k_{1}+k_{2}+\ldots$

Draw a free-body diagram showing all forces acting on the object, including the spring force.

The spring exerts a force pulling it back towards its equilibrium position (negative force).

The spring exerts a force pushing it back towards its equilibrium position (positive force).

The spring becomes stiffer, requiring more force to stretch or compress it by the same amount.

The spring will deform permanently and not return to its original length.

The spring force always opposes the direction of displacement, acting as a restoring force.

The force a spring exerts is directly proportional to its displacement from equilibrium: $\vec{F}_{s}=-k \Delta \vec{x}$

A measure of a spring's stiffness; the higher the value, the stiffer the spring.

The position where the spring is neither stretched nor compressed, and the net force on it is zero.

A spring with negligible mass that exerts a force perfectly proportional to its displacement from equilibrium.

A single spring constant that represents the combined effect of multiple springs in a system.

A force that acts to bring a system back to its equilibrium position.