4.2.1.P4

Two springs, are linked together and pulled from opposite ends by equal tension forces T. The spring constants are NOT the same: k₁ >> k₂. The system is at rest.

A. How do the magnitudes of the forces that the springs exert on each other compare?

1. They are equal but not equal to T.
2. They are equal and equal to T.
3. Spring 1 exerts a larger force on spring 2, than 2 does on 1.
4. Spring 2 exerts a larger force on spring 1, than 1 does on 2.
5. Something else.

B. How do the the amounts that the springs stretch compare and how do you know?

1. They are equal because they exert equal forces on each other.
2. They are equal because the larger k of spring 1 is compensated for by its larger mass.
3. Spring 1 stretches more because it has a larger k than spring 2.
4. Spring 2 stretches more because it has a smaller k than spring 1.
5. Spring 2 stretches more because it feels a larger force from spring 1 than spring 1 feels from spring 2. 

Joe Redish 3/7/14