Final answer:
To determine who is correct about the constant of proportionality, additional context is required. The constant of proportionality is the constant in a direct relationship between two variables and is determined through the specific relationship they are analyzing, such as force and extension in Hooke's law for springs.
Step-by-step explanation:
To decide if Ricky or Joe is correct about the constant of proportionality being k=10 or k=5, we need additional information about the relationship they are discussing. The constant of proportionality, noted as k, is the constant in the direct proportionality relationship of two variables, where one variable is directly proportional to another. For example, in physics, when we talk about Hooke's Law, the force that a spring exerts is directly proportional to its extension, with the proportionality constant being the spring constant, k. It is represented as F = kx. Without additional information or context, specifically the relationship or formula they are referring to, we cannot determine who among Ricky or Joe is correct.
In the context of measuring the constant of proportionality for a rubber band, it depends on how much force causes a certain amount of stretch. Given that a rubber band stretches 3 cm when a 100-g mass is attached, we can say that if two similar rubber bands were attached in parallel, they would still stretch 3 cm because the same amount of force is applied to each band. However, if they were attached in series, the stretch would double to 6 cm because the same force causes each band to stretch the initial amount. The constant of proportionality, k, would be calculated based on the original arrangement; in the first case, it remains the same, and in the second case, it effectively changes because the system's stiffness decreases with the rubber bands in series.