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What is the effect of stretching a spring?

The spring exerts a restoring force inwards, pulling back towards its equilibrium position.

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What is the effect of stretching a spring?
The spring exerts a restoring force inwards, pulling back towards its equilibrium position.
What is the effect of compressing a spring?
The spring exerts a restoring force outwards, pushing back towards its equilibrium position.
What happens to the equivalent spring constant when more springs are added in parallel?
The equivalent spring constant increases, making the system stiffer.
What happens to the equivalent spring constant when more springs are added in series?
The equivalent spring constant decreases, making the system more compliant.
What is the effect of the negative sign in Hooke's Law?
The spring force always opposes the displacement.
How do you calculate the equivalent spring constant for springs in series?
Use the formula: $\frac{1}{k_{\text {eq, series }}}=\sum_{i} \frac{1}{k_{i}}=\frac{1}{k_{1}}+\frac{1}{k_{2}}+\ldots$
How do you calculate the equivalent spring constant for springs in parallel?
Use the formula: $k_{\text {eq, parallel }}=\sum_{i} k_{i}=k_{1}+k_{2}+\ldots$
What is the first step in solving a problem involving spring forces?
Draw a free-body diagram showing all forces acting on the object, including the spring force.
What is the difference between ideal and non-ideal springs?
Ideal springs have negligible mass and perfectly obey Hooke's Law. Non-ideal springs have mass and may not perfectly obey Hooke's Law.
Compare springs in series and springs in parallel regarding their stiffness.
Springs in series are more compliant (less stiff). Springs in parallel are stiffer.
How does displacement relate to force in springs arranged in series versus parallel?
In series, total displacement is the sum of individual displacements. In parallel, the total force is the sum of individual forces.