Force vs Displacement Plot

Definition

A force vs displacement plot is a graph that shows the relationship between the applied force on an object and its resulting displacement. It helps visualize how different forces affect the motion of an object.

Analogy

Imagine you are pushing a shopping cart in a supermarket. The force you apply to the cart determines how far it moves. If you push harder, the cart will move further, but if you push with less force, it will move a shorter distance.

Related terms

Work-Energy Theorem: This theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. It relates the concept of work to changes in an object's motion.

Hooke's Law: Hooke's Law states that within elastic limits, the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement from equilibrium. It describes how springs behave when they are stretched or compressed.

Elastic Potential Energy: Elastic potential energy refers to the stored energy in an elastic material, such as a stretched or compressed spring. It is related to both Hooke's Law and the displacement of an object.