Question

if the stiffness of the individual resistive components of a system is 5 n/m and five (5) of these components are all arranged in a parallel configuration (i.e. next to each other), then what is the total stiffness of the system?

○ 5 n/m
○ 20 n/m
○ 25 n/m
○ 50 n/m
○ 2.5 n/m
○ 10 n/m

Explanation:

Step1: Recall parallel stiffness formula

For \( n \) identical components with stiffness \( k \) in parallel, total stiffness \( K_{total}=n\times k \).

Step2: Identify values

Here, \( n = 5 \), \( k = 5\space N/m \).

Step3: Calculate total stiffness

Substitute into formula: \( K_{total}=5\times5 = 25\space N/m \).

Answer:

25 N/m (corresponding to the option "25 N/m")