5.3.2 Hooke's Law

• What does Hooke's Law state about elastic materials?

  It states that the force required to extend or compress a spring is directly proportional to the extension or compression, provided the elastic limit is not exceeded.
• What is the mathematical expression for Hooke's Law?


  F = k × x
• What does the variable F represent in Hooke's Law?

  F represents the force applied to the spring, measured in Newtons (N).
• What does the variable k represent in Hooke's Law?


  k represents the spring constant, which measures the stiffness of the spring, measured in Newtons per meter (N/m).
• What does the variable x represent in Hooke's Law?

  x represents the extension or compression of the spring from its natural length, measured in meters (m).
• What is the elastic limit of a material?

  The elastic limit is the maximum amount of force or extension that a material can withstand and still return to its original shape when the force is removed.
• What happens to a material when it exceeds its elastic limit?

  It may experience plastic deformation and not return to its original shape.
• What are some practical applications of Hooke's Law?

  • Springs in mechanical systems (e.g., car suspensions, clocks)
  • Material testing to determine properties and suitability for applications
• What does the straight-line region in a Force-Extension Graph indicate?

  It indicates that Hooke's Law is obeyed, and the gradient represents the spring constant (k).
• What happens to the Force-Extension Graph beyond the elastic limit?

  The graph starts to curve, indicating plastic deformation, and the material no longer follows Hooke's Law.
• How do you calculate the spring constant (k) using Hooke's Law?


  By measuring the force applied to the spring and the extension, then applying the formula k = F/x.
• What is the formula to calculate the spring constant (k)?

  k = F/x
• If a spring has a spring constant of 200 N/m and is stretched by 0.5 meters, what is the force applied?

  The force applied is 100 Newtons.
• What are the limitations of Hooke's Law?

  Hooke's Law applies only within the elastic limit; beyond this, materials may undergo plastic deformation and the relationship becomes nonlinear.
• What are the key concepts summarized in Hooke's Law?


  • Describes the relationship between force and extension for elastic materials.
  • Formula: F = k × x
  • Spring constant (k) measures stiffness; higher k means stiffer spring.
  • Elastic limit is the maximum force or extension before permanent deformation occurs.
  • Force-Extension Graph shows linear behavior within the elastic limit.