A block is hung from two different arrangements of identical ideal springs
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
A 1.0kg block is hung from two different arrangements of identical ideal springs, each of constant k.
• Arrangement I: a single spring supports the block.
• Arrangement II: two identical springs are connected in series and together support the same block.
Which of the following best explains why Arrangement II stretches more than Arrangement I?
(a) The effective spring constant of two springs in series doubles, so the pair stretches farther.
(b) The same force acts on each spring in series, so each stretches by mg/k; their extensions add, giving a greater total stretch.
(c) Each spring in series supports only half the block’s weight, so adding their individual stretches gives a total that is twice that of a single spring.
(d) Series springs share both force and extension equally, so the total extension equals that of a single spring.