Final answer:
According to Hooke's Law, Spring B with the lower force constant will extend more than Spring A when equal weights are suspended from them, because Spring A resists stretching more due to its higher force constant.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the extension of two springs with different force constants but with equal weights suspended from them, one must refer to Hooke's Law, which states that the force (F) applied to the spring is directly proportional to the extension (x) of the spring, represented by the formula F = kx, where k is the force constant of the spring.
Spring A has a greater force constant than Spring B. When equal weights are suspended from both springs, they both exert an equal force downwards due to gravity. According to Hooke's Law, since Spring A has a greater force constant, it resists the stretching more, meaning it will extend less for the same amount of force. Therefore, Spring B, with a lower force constant, will experience greater extension under the same load.
The correct answer to the student's question is (c) Spring B experiences greater extension.