Consider two springs whose force constants are 1 N `m^(-1)` and 2 N `m^(-1)` which are connected in series. Calculate the effective spring constant (`k_s`) and comment on `k_s`.

Explanation

`k_(1)=1 N m^(-1), k_2=2 N m^(-1)`
`k_s=(k_(1)k_2)/(k_(1)+k_(2))Nm^(-1)`
`k_s=(1xx2)/(1+2)=2/3 Nm^(-1)`
`k_s lt k_1` and `k_s lt k_2`
Therefore, the effective spring constant is lesser than both `k_1` and `k_2`.