1R10.20 • Series and Parallel Springs
Concepts Conveyed:
Experiment 1: Springs in series.
- When springs are connected end to end, they are connected in series.
Experiment 2: Springs in parallel.
- When springs are connected side by side, they are connected in parallel.
Experiment 3: Combined spring system.
- Equations involved are the combination of a parallel spring system and a series spring system’s equations.
- The ideal setup for this system includes springs of k = 80 N/m, 50 N/m, and 5 N/m, with the mass positioned at 6 cm.
Instructions / Notes:
- Please note which spring system is desired.
- A demonstration consists of 4 springs with different spring constants k (5 N/m, 50 N/m, 80N/m, and 320N/m), a 100 g mass (100 g is recommended), and a parallel hook bar.
- Springs can combine in different ways to show concepts of springs in series, springs in parallel, or both.
- Hang the top of the spring to the hook bar on the stand and the bottom of the spring to the hook bar that has a 10 cm scale.
- Put the mass on the bottom parallel hook bar at specific distances to balance the hook.
Demo Staff:
- Clamp the stand onto the table.
- Set up based on experiments requested. If not specified, then leave springs, mass, and the hook bar on the table.
Last updated on January 23, 2025