A mass of 4.0 kg,resting on a horizontal frictionless surface,is attached on the right to a horizontal spring with spring constant 20 N/m and on the left to a horizontal spring with spring constant 50 N/m.If this system is moved from equilibrium,what is the effective spring constant?
A)30 N/m
B)-30 N/m
C)70 N/m
D)14 N/m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When two springs are connected in parallel, the effective spring constant is given by the sum of the individual spring constants. Therefore, the effective spring constant of the two springs in this system is:

k_eff = k_1 + k_2

where k_1 = 20 N/m and k_2 = 50 N/m.

k_eff = 20 N/m + 50 N/m = 70 N/m

Therefore, the answer is C) 70 N/m.

A Mass of 4