Question

An ideal spring with spring constant k is cut in
half. What is the spring constant of either one
of the two half springs? The answer is 2k but I don't understand why.

Answer 1

Since f=kx, then k=f/x.

Now if you apply the same force to the half-length spring it only moves half as far. So if x is halved above, then k will double.
Basically there are now half as many coils to take up the force via displacement.

Answer 2

But isn't the x in f=kx the distance that the spring is displaced, not the length of the spring?

Answer 3

In some questions you can use it as a length too..

Answer 4

Thanks, I get it now.

Answer 5

Welcome..