How to Calculate Hooke's Law
What is Hooke's Law?
Hooke's Law states that a spring's restoring force is proportional to displacement: F = kx. The spring constant k (stiffness) determines how much force is needed per unit of stretch or compression.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Measure the displacement x from the equilibrium (rest) position
- 2Multiply by the spring constant k: F = kx
- 3Elastic potential energy stored: PE = ½kx²
- 4Valid only within the elastic limit — beyond it, the spring permanently deforms
Worked Examples
Input
k=200 N/m, x=0.05 m
Result
F=10 N, PE=0.25 J
200×0.05=10 N
Input
F=50 N, k=500 N/m
Result
x=0.1 m
50÷500=0.1 m
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