1. What is Hooke's Law?

Definition: Hooke's Law states that the force needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance is proportional to that distance.

Purpose: It helps in understanding elastic behavior of materials and is fundamental in designing springs and elastic components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Force applied (Newtons, N)
• \( k \) — Spring constant (Newtons per meter, N/m)
• \( x \) — Extension or compression distance (meters, m)

Explanation: The force required to stretch or compress a spring is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position.

3. Importance of Hooke's Law

Details: Understanding this relationship is crucial for designing mechanical systems, shock absorbers, and any system involving elastic components.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the spring constant (stiffness) in N/m and the extension/compression in meters. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the spring constant?
A: It's a measure of a spring's stiffness. Higher values mean stiffer springs that require more force to stretch.

Q2: Does Hooke's Law apply to all materials?
A: No, only to materials within their elastic limit where deformation is reversible.

Q3: What happens beyond the elastic limit?
A: The material will deform plastically and won't return to its original shape when force is removed.

Q4: Can I use this for compression as well as extension?
A: Yes, the law applies to both stretching and compressing a spring.

Q5: What are typical spring constant values?
A: They vary widely - from ~10 N/m for soft springs to 100,000+ N/m for very stiff springs.