Which situation requires a spring with the largest spring constant?

A spring can be compressed or stretched. The amount of force that is required for a spring to return to its original position depends on its "spring constant." If the spring constant is large, thespring is rigid and difficult to stretch or compress. If the spring constant is small, the spring stretches and compresses easily.

The diagram below depicts the amount of compression that results for spring A and spring B after equal force is applied to both.

Which situation requires a spring with the largest spring constant?
A . A jack-in-the-box springs out of its box.
B . A shock absorber spring keeps a truck from bouncing when it hits a pothole.
C . A child plays with a "Slinky" spring.
D . A spring holds staples in a stapler.
E . The spring in a pinball game is used to release the ball.

Answer: B