Question

in hookes law, $f_{spring} = k\delta x$, what does the $f_{spring}$ stand for?

○ the constant of gravity

○ the elastic constant, a number that tells the relative strength of the spring

○ the amount of force acting on the spring

○ the distance the spring stretches

Explanation:

• The first option: The constant of gravity is related to gravitational force (like \( g \)), not \( F_{\text{spring}} \), so this is incorrect.
• The second option: The elastic constant is \( k \) in Hooke's law (\( F_{\text{spring}} = k\Delta x \)), not \( F_{\text{spring}} \), so this is incorrect.
• The third option: In Hooke's law, \( F_{\text{spring}} \) represents the force exerted by the spring (or the force acting on the spring to stretch/compress it). This matches the definition of \( F_{\text{spring}} \).
• The fourth option: The distance the spring stretches is \( \Delta x \) (displacement from equilibrium), not \( F_{\text{spring}} \), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. the amount of force acting on the spring