Final answer:
The combined stretch of the pair of springs is 0.020124 m. The effective spring constant of the spring system is 738 N/m.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stretch of a spring can be calculated by using Hooke's law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position. For the first spring with a spring constant of 1,250 N/m, the stretch can be calculated using the formula F = kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement. By rearranging the formula, we can solve for x: x = F/k. Substituting the values, we have x = (m * g) / k1 where m is the mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Plugging in the values, x = (1.50 kg * 9.8 m/s^2) / 1250 N/m = 0.01176 m.
For the second spring with a spring constant of 1,650 N/m and a mass of 1.50 kg attached to its lower end, using the same formula, we can find the stretch of the spring: x = (m * g) / k2 = (1.50 kg * 9.8 m/s^2) / 1650 N/m = 0.008364 m.
To find the total stretch of the pair of springs, we sum up the individual stretches: x_total = x1 + x2 = 0.01176 m + 0.008364 m = 0.020124 m.
(b) To find the effective spring constant of the spring system, we can use the formula 1 / keff = 1 / k1 + 1 / k2. Plugging in the values, we have 1 / keff = 1 / 1250 N/m + 1 / 1650 N/m. Simplifying, we find keff = 738 N/m.