Two similar springs P and Q have spring constants Kp and KQ such that Kp > KQ. They are stretched first by the same amount (case a), then by the same force (case b). The work done by the springs WP and WQ are related as, in case (a) and case (b), respectively.

Case (a): Springs are stretched by the same amountThe work done by the springs W = 12Kx2Hence W ∝ KAs  KP> KQ it means WP > WQCase (b): Springs are stretched by the same force.F = KpXp = KQXQThe work done by the springsW = 12Kx2 = 12K(FK)2 = 12F2KHence W ∝ 1K it means WQ > WP