Hooke's Law Calculator
Calculate spring force and stored energy from displacement.
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Enter the spring constant in N/m and the displacement from equilibrium in meters. The calculator shows the restoring force and the elastic potential energy stored in the spring.
About Hooke's Law
Hooke's law, formulated by Robert Hooke in 1660, describes the linear relationship between force and deformation in elastic materials. The spring constant (k) measures stiffness, with larger values indicating stiffer springs. The stored potential energy equals one-half kx squared. This law applies to springs, rubber bands, and many solid materials within their elastic limits. It forms the basis for understanding simple harmonic motion and vibration analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hooke's law?
Hooke's law states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to its displacement from equilibrium: F = -kx. The spring constant k measures the stiffness of the spring.
What does the negative sign mean?
The negative sign indicates the restoring force opposes the displacement. If you stretch a spring to the right, it pulls back to the left.
When does Hooke's law fail?
Hooke's law is valid only for small deformations within the elastic limit. Beyond the elastic limit, the material deforms permanently and the linear relationship breaks down.