Hooke's law

Section 1: Fundamentals of Hooke’s Law

• Recognise Hooke’s Law, it states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its extension, until its elastic limit is reached.
• Remember that the formula for Hooke’s Law is F = kx, where ‘F’ is the force, ‘k’ is the spring constant, and ‘x’ is the extension of the spring from its original length.
• Understand that the spring constant (k) is a measure of the stiffness of a spring, with a larger ‘k’ equating to a stiffer spring.

Section 2: Elastic Limit and Elastic Potential Energy

• Grasp the concept of elastic limit, which is the maximum extension a spring can experience without being permanently deformed.
• If a spring is stretched beyond its elastic limit, Hooke’s Law no longer applies and the spring does not return to its original shape.
• Know that elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring, which can be calculated using the formula (1/2)kx^2.

Section 3: Investigating Hooke’s Law Experimentally

• Acknowledge that Hooke’s Law can be demonstrated and investigated through a simple experiment using a spring, weights, and a ruler to measure extension.
• Recognise the importance of plotting a force against extension graph from experimental results. A straight line through the origin indicates Hooke’s Law is being obeyed.
• Understand that the gradient of the line in a force against extension graph equals the spring constant.

Section 4: Practical Application of Hooke’s Law

• Familiarise with the application of Hooke’s Law in various practical scenarios like suspension systems in vehicles, measuring instruments like scales and spring balances.
• Realise that being able to calculate the spring constant and understanding forces and extensions allows engineers and designers to create effective and safe systems and products.