Question

Two springs look alike but have different spring constants. How could you determine which one has the greater spring constant?

Answer 1

As we know that spring force on a system of spring is given as

`F = k x`

here we know that

k = spring constant

x = deformation in the spring

F = spring force

So here we know that from above formula we have

`k = (F)/(x)`

so on applying same force if two springs have different deformations then the spring with small amount of deformation the value of spring constant will be more

so here in order to find the spring with greater spring constant we will suspend same mass in both springs so there will be equal force on both the springs.

Now the spring with lesser deformation will have more spring constant

Answer 2

Hang the same object from both springs. The one that stretches less has the greater spring constant.
I hope this helps.
Thank you