Hooke's Law with Series Springs

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the application of Hooke's Law to determine the equivalent spring constant (Keq) for two springs in series. The user initially proposed that Keq = (k1k2)/(k1+k2) and sought validation for this formula. Responses clarified the relationship between forces and displacements in the system, emphasizing the need to express the equations correctly. The final consensus confirms that the equivalent spring constant for springs in series is indeed Keq = (k1k2)/(k1+k2). This formula is essential for solving problems involving multiple springs connected in series.
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Homework Statement



The problem is in the attachment

Homework Equations



F=-kx
k1x1=k2x1

The Attempt at a Solution



I got as my answer Keq= (k1k2)/(k1+k2)

i just wanted to see if i had the right idea or no.
 

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Welcome to PF;
i just wanted to see if i had the right idea or no.
... then you need to tell us the idea and not just the final result you got ;)
 
-k1x1=-k2x2=F
F=-keq*x
solving for x1
x1=[(k2)/(k1+k2)] +x2
putting into F=-k2x2+k2x1
F=x2 (-k1k2-k2^2+k2^2)/(k1+k2)
simplified
F=-[(k1k2)/(k1+k2)]*x2

then the Keq = (k1k2)/(k1+k2) ?
 

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