Hooke's Law

Deformation

change of shape and/or size of an object as a result of forces being applied

Conditions required to deform a stationary object

must be more than one force acting on the object

Extension

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

Compression

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

Hooke's Law

extension of an elastic object is directly proportional to force applied, provided limit of proportionality is not exceeded

Limit of proportionality

point beyond which Hooke's law is no longer obeyed

F = ke

The equation linking force, spring constant and extension/compression

F

The symbol for force

k

The symbol for spring constant

e

The symbol for extension (or compression)

Unit for spring constant

Newtons per metre (N/m)

Unit for extension

Metres (m)

Spring constant

measure of the stiffness of a spring

Relationship between spring constant and extension

higher the spring constant, the stiffer the spring