A mass is attached to two springs of constants k 1 and k 2 in series. If k 1 = k 2 = k, the effective constant is:

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A mass is attached to two springs of constants k1 and k2 in series. If k1 = k2 = k, the effective constant is:

Answer: k/2.

A k/2
B 2k
C k
D k²

Correct answer: A. k/2

Explanation: Series: 1/keff = 1/k + 1/k = 2/k → keff = k/2. Series connection makes the effective spring softer.

In SHM, displacement and velocity are 90° out of phase (v is maximum when x=0, and zero when x is extreme), while acceleration is always exactly opposite in sign to displacement, consistent with a = −ω²x.

Concept context

Simple harmonic motion, spring-mass, pendulum, energy in SHM, and resonance.

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A mass is attached to two springs of constants k<sub>1</sub> and k<sub>2</sub> in series. If k<sub>1</sub> = k<sub>2</sub> = k, the effective constant is:

Concept context

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