Hooke's Law: Forces: Physics: GCSE (9:1)

• Deformation


  The change on shape and/or size of an object as a result of forces being applied
• Conditions required to deform a stationary object

  There must be more than one force acting on the object
• Extension


  A increase in length or size as a result of an object being stretched

  
• Compression


  A reduction in length or size as a result of an object being squashed

  
• Hooke's Law

  The extension of an elastic object is directly proportional to the force applied,provided that the limit of proportionality is not exceeded
• Limit of proportionality


  The point beyond which Hooke's law is no longer obeyed

  
• F = ke

  The equation linking force, spring constant and extension (or compression)

  
• F


  The symbol for force

  
• k


  The symbol for spring constant

  
• e

  The symbol for extension (or compression)

  
• Newtons (N)


  The SI unit for force

  
• Newtons per metre (N/m)


  The SI unit for spring constant
• Metres (m)


  The SI unit for extension

  
• Spring constant


  A measure of the stiffness of a spring

  
• Relationship between spring constant and extension

  The higher the spring constant, the stiffer the spring