A spring of force constant $k$ is cut into two equal halves. The force constant of each half is:
A$k/2$
B$k$
C$2k$ (stiffer when shorter)
D$4k$
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. $2k$ (stiffer when shorter)
Spring constant is inversely proportional to length: $k \propto 1/L$. Halving the length doubles the spring constant. Useful corollary: cutting a spring into n equal parts gives each part a constant of $nk$.
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