Question

in hookes law, ( f_{\text{spring}} = kdelta x ), what does the ( k ) stand for?
( \bigcirc ) the elastic constant, a number that tells the relative strength of the spring
( \bigcirc ) the distance the spring stretches
( \bigcirc ) the constant of gravity
( \bigcirc ) the amount of force acting on the spring

Explanation:

Hooke's law \(F_{spring}=k\Delta x\) describes the force exerted by a spring. Here, \(F_{spring}\) is the force, \(\Delta x\) is the displacement (distance the spring stretches or compresses). The constant \(k\) is specific to the spring. It is called the elastic constant (or spring constant). A larger \(k\) means the spring is stiffer (has greater relative strength). The constant of gravity \(g\approx9.8\ m/s^{2}\) is not related to this formula. The distance the spring stretches is \(\Delta x\), and the force acting on the spring is \(F_{spring}\).

Answer:

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