Two ideal springs with spring constants and are connected in series

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics C: Mechanics · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

Two ideal springs with spring constants

k_1 = 300\,\text{N/m}

and

k_2 = 200\,\text{N/m}

are connected in series. What is the effective spring constant of the combination? (a)

1.5\times10^{2}\,\text{N/m}

(b)

1.2\times10^{2}\,\text{N/m}

(c)

1.0\times10^{2}\,\text{N/m}

(d)

1.7\times10^{2}\,\text{N/m}