How would you develop a force scale for measuring weight using springs?

[gixx3r]

Homework Statement

Let's say you are given 10 identical springs. How would you develop a scale of force (i.e., a means of producing repeatable forces of variety of sizes) using these springs?

Homework Equations

None that I can think of.

The Attempt at a Solution

My guess is that I have to measure out the length of one spring, and then measure its force using a probe of some sort. However, I am not sure how to go about creating a scale of force.

 

[malawi_glenn]

What other object can you use for calibration?

what is the effective spring constant when two springs are coupled in a) parallel b) series? Can you come up with such relationship?