A Level Physics Practice Exam

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According to Hooke's law, up to the limit of proportionality, what is the relationship between force and extension?

F = m * a
F = mg
F = kx
F = mv²

The correct answer is: F = kx

Hooke's law states that the force exerted by a spring (or a similar elastic material) is directly proportional to the extension or compression of that spring, up to a certain limit known as the limit of proportionality. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as F = kx, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant (a measure of the spring's stiffness), and x is the amount of extension or compression from the spring's original position. In this context, as the force increases, the extension of the spring also increases proportionally, maintaining a linear relationship until the spring reaches its elastic limit, beyond which it may not return to its original shape. Thus, the expression F = kx accurately describes how force and extension relate under Hooke's law.