---
title: "Hooke's Law — AP Physics C Mechanics Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Hooke's Law (F = -kx) says spring force is proportional to displacement from equilibrium. It powers energy problems in Unit 3 and the entire SHM unit."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-physics-c-mechanics/key-terms/hookes-law"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Physics C: Mechanics"
---

# Hooke's Law — AP Physics C Mechanics Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. In other words, it describes how a spring stretches or compresses when a force is applied to it.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.2 Forces and Potential Energy ](/ap-physics-c-mechanics/unit-3/forces-potential-energy/study-guide/PgiYXV934ZlC3nDA)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Spring Force: The force exerted by a spring when it is stretched or compressed. It follows Hooke's Law and is directly proportional to the displacement of the spring.
- [Spring Constant](/ap-physics-c-mechanics/key-terms/spring-constant): A measure of how stiff or flexible a particular spring is. It represents the ratio between the force applied to a spring and its resulting displacement.
- [Elastic Potential Energy](/ap-physics-c-mechanics/key-terms/elastic-potential-energy): The energy stored in an elastic object (such as a stretched or compressed spring) due to its deformation from its equilibrium position. It depends on both the displacement and stiffness of the object.