Spring Forces Practice Test

A force $$F$$ is required to stretch a single ideal spring with constant $$k$$ by a distance $$x$$. If two identical springs are connected in parallel, what total force is required to stretch the combination by the same distance $$x$$?

An ideal spring with spring constant $$k$$ is cut into two identical halves. One of the halves is designated Spring A. The two halves are then connected in parallel to form a new spring system, designated System B. What is the ratio of the spring constant of System B to the spring constant of Spring A?