Q = What is the spring constant of these springs?
A = The spring constant is approx. 25 N/m.
This was calculated as:
Spring constant: k = F/x
Where:
F = Force in Newtons, i.e. mass in kg x ‘g’ (9.81)
k = Spring constant (N/m)
x = Distance or amount spring has been stretched (final length minus starting length) in metres
Q = What is the maximum mass which can be suspended from the springs before they exceed their elastic limit i.e. distort and do not return to their original size?
A = Up to 1kg can be suspended from the springs and they should still return to their normal shape i.e. this mass should not exceed the elastic limit. Put another way, up to 10N force can be applied to the springs without exceeding the elastic limit.