Final answer:
When springs are placed in parallel, the spring constant increases, making the system stiffer. In contrast, when springs are placed in series, the spring constant decreases, making the system less stiff.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spring constant, also known as the force constant or stiffness, of a system depends on whether the springs are placed in parallel or series.
In a parallel arrangement, when multiple springs are connected to each other at both ends, the resulting spring constant is greater than that of an individual spring. This is because each spring contributes to the total restoring force, leading to a stiffer system. The spring constant in parallel is calculated by summing the reciprocals of the individual spring constants.
On the other hand, in a series arrangement, when multiple springs are connected end to end, the resulting spring constant is smaller than that of an individual spring. This is because the force applied to each spring is the same, leading to a reduced overall force and a less stiff system. The spring constant in series is calculated by summing the individual spring constants.