5.3 - Forces and elasticity

• Elastic objects return to their original shape once the deforming forces are removed
• Spring constant is the property of an object/material that tells you how easy it is to stretch or compress
• Extension is how much longer an object is compared to its original length
• Hooke's law states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied, as long as its 'limit of proportionality' is not exceeded.
• The limit of proportionality is when the spring starts to become permanently stretched (or compressed)