Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Hooke's Law states that the extension of an elastic object is proportional to the force applied to the object.
About Hooke's Law
- Hooke's Law describes how elastic objects behave when a pair of opposing forces, one at each end of the object, are applied.
- Hooke's Law is described by the equation: Force = (Spring Constant) x (Extension)
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| When a weight is added the spring extends. If the weight is doubled the extension is also doubled. |
- Elastic objects have an Elastic Limit. This means if the force is too big they stop obeying Hooke's Law and start to deform plastically so they will not return to their original shape.
Equation
Force = (Spring Constant) x (Extension of the spring)
\( F = kx \)
\( F = k \times x \)
Where: \[F\] = Force applied \[k\] = Spring Constant (stiffness of the elastic object) \[x\] = Extension of the object
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Hooke's Law states that the extension of an elastic object directly proportional to the force applied to the object.
About Hooke's Law
- Hooke's Law describes how elastic objects behave when a pair of equilibrium forces is applied.
- Hooke's Law is described by the equation: Force = (Spring Constant) x (Extension)
- Hooke's Law applies to an object until it reaches its elastic limit, at which point the object begins to behave plastically.
| |
| When a weight is added the spring extends. If the weight is doubled the extension is also doubled. |
- Elastic objects have an Elastic Limit. This means if the force is too big they stop obeying Hooke's Law and start to deform plastically so they will not return to their original shape.
Equation
Equilibrium Force = (Spring Constant) x (Extension of the Object)
\( F = kx \)
\( F = k \times x \)
Where: \[F\] = Equilibrium Force applied \[k\] = Spring Constant (stiffness of the elastic object) \[x\] = Extension of the object