PURPOSE: To show static series and parallel combinations of springs.

DESCRIPTION: Three equal springs are attached to a stand. Two equal masses are hung from the springs. One is hung from one of the springs. The other mass is hung from the other two springs. The class is then quized on what will happen

k(parallel) = k(1) + k(2)

1/k(series) = 1/k(1) + 1/k(2)

SUGGESTIONS:

EQUIPMENT: Stand with two springs attached, two masses as pictured.

SETUP TIME: 15 min.

KEYWORDS: springs in series and parallel