Hooke's Law states that the force (f) exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement (x) from its equilibrium position, represented by the equation f = kx, where k is the spring constant. This law applies specifically within the linear or elastic region of deformation, where the spring returns to its original length after the force is removed. Beyond this elastic limit, materials may undergo plastic deformation, resulting in permanent changes to their length. The spring constant (k) remains constant within this linear region, indicating that while the force required to compress or stretch the spring increases, the relationship between force and displacement remains linear.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, materials scientists, and engineers interested in understanding the mechanical properties of materials and the behavior of springs under various forces.
Scheuerf said:Hookes law says that f = kx where f = force, k = spring constant, and x = change in length. This doesn't make sense to me. Don't objects become harder to compress or stretch as they are compressed or stretched. For example, it is easier to stretch a rubber band when you first start stretching it. In other words, I don't understand why k is constant and doesn't change as the objects compresses or is stretched.
Scheuerf said:What exactly do you mean by the linear region?
Scheuerf said:Hookes law says that f = kx where f = force, k = spring constant, and x = change in length. This doesn't make sense to me. Don't objects become harder to compress or stretch as they are compressed or stretched. For example, it is easier to stretch a rubber band when you first start stretching it. In other words, I don't understand why k is constant and doesn't change as the objects compresses or is stretched.