In an experiment the values of two spring constants were measured as k₁ = (10 ± 0.2) N/m and k₂ = (20 ± 0.3) N/m. If these springs are connected in parallel, then the percentage error in equivalent spring constant is: (a) 1.33% (b) 2.67% (c) 1.67% (d) 2.33%

Answer: (c). In parallel k = k₁ + k₂ = 30 N/m; for a sum, absolute errors add: Δ k = 0.2 + 0.3 = 0.5 N/m Percentage error = 0.5/30 × 100 = 1.67% So the answer is (c) 1.67%.

In an experiment the values of two spring constants were measured as… | JEE Main 2026 (21 Jan, Shift 1)

Q18JEE Main 2026 · 21 JAN · SHIFT 1Medium

Errors in Measurement

In an experiment the values of two spring constants were measured as $k_1 = (10 \pm 0.2)\text{ N/m}$ and $k_2 = (20 \pm 0.3)\text{ N/m}$ . If these springs are connected in parallel, then the percentage error in equivalent spring constant is:

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Answer: (c)

In parallel $k = k_1 + k_2 = 30\text{ N/m}$ ; for a sum, absolute errors add: $\Delta k = 0.2 + 0.3 = 0.5\text{ N/m}$
Percentage error $= \frac{0.5}{30} \times 100 = 1.67\%$
So the answer is (c) 1.67%.

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