Question

Two springs look alike but have different spring constants. How could you determine which one has the greater spring constant?

Answer 1

Hooke's Law:
F = ke

k - spring constant, force per unit length

A larger spring constant would need a larger force to cause the same extension between two springs.
eg.
spring 1 needs 90 N to extend 1 mm.
spring 2 needs 150 N to extend 1 mm.

Therefore, spring 2 has a larger spring constant.

Answer 2

Yes, but the question is this: what's a straightforward experiment?

One way would be to attach a weight on each one in turn and hang the spring. The spring that extends the most has the _________(larger/smaller) spring constant.

Answer 3

throw the springs onto the ground (hard surface is best) the one that bounces highest has the greater spring constant