1. What is Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law states that the force (F) needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance (x) scales linearly with respect to that distance. It's expressed as F = k × x, where k is the spring constant.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Hooke's Law:

Where:

• \( F \) — Spring force (N)
• \( k \) — Spring constant (N/m)
• \( x \) — Displacement from equilibrium position (m)

Explanation: The law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement from the equilibrium position.

3. Importance of Spring Force Calculation

Details: Calculating spring force is essential in mechanical engineering, physics experiments, and designing systems with springs like suspensions, scales, and mechanical devices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter spring constant in N/m and displacement in meters. The spring constant must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the spring constant?
A: The spring constant (k) measures the stiffness of a spring. Higher values mean stiffer springs.

Q2: Does Hooke's Law always apply?
A: No, it only applies within the elastic limit of the spring. Beyond this, the spring may deform permanently.

Q3: What are typical units for spring constant?
A: The SI unit is newtons per meter (N/m), but pounds per inch (lb/in) is also common.

Q4: Can displacement be negative?
A: Yes, negative displacement indicates compression, while positive indicates extension.

Q5: What affects a spring's constant?
A: Material, wire thickness, coil diameter, and number of coils all affect the spring constant.