Question

Question #ff50e

Answer 1

Decreases

Explanation:

Suppose, two springs of spring constant `k1` and`k2` are in series,if we apply force F on both of them and they undergo extension of `x1` and `x2` then we can write, `F= k1 x1` and `F=k2 x2`

Now,suppose these two springs are attached end to end to form a series combination,whose spring constant is `k.`

Now,if we apply same force F we can write,
`F= k x`

now, `x=x1+x2` (because total extension now will be equal to individuals extension)
or, `F/k = F/(k1) +F/(k2)`

hence, `1/k = 1/(k1) +1/(k2)`

or,`k = (k1 k2)/(k1+k2)`