Hooke's Law: Two springs in series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding Hooke's Law as it applies to two springs in series. The original poster seeks clarification on the equation for the effective spring constant when two springs are connected in series.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the forces exerted by the individual springs and the overall system. Questions arise regarding the derivation of the effective spring constant and the reasoning behind the equality of forces in the system.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the forces acting on the springs and suggested exploring the relationships between them. There is an ongoing examination of the derivation and understanding of the equations involved, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion over specific parts of a derivation found online, indicating a need for further clarification on the concepts involved. There is also a mention of potential assumptions regarding the tension in the springs.

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[SOLVED] Hooke's Law: Two springs in series

can someone explain and prove to me why the equation for two springs in series is
K= [(1/k1)+(1/k2)]^-1 ?

this is how far i got
F= -k ∆x
F= -k (x1+x2)
 
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thanks
i looked at it but i don't understand this part

"Meanwhile, the force on the point between the two springs is
Fs = -k1x1+k2(x2-x1)"
 
The proof on that website is rather obscure. Instead, try this: What's the force exerted by each spring and by both springs?

F = k1x1 = k2x2 = k(x1 + x2)

Play around with this and you should be able to figure out k in terms of k1 and k2.
 
thanks doc al
this might be a stupid question
but k1x1 = k2x2 is it because the tension of both spring are equal?
 
Because the force is the same,yes
 
kk i think i got it
thanks for helping me =]
 

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