Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The spring constant, denoted by $k$, is a measure of a spring's resistance to deformation. It is defined as the ratio of the force exerted by the spring to the displacement caused.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The spring constant $k$ is measured in units of Newtons per meter (N/m).
Hooke's Law, $F = kx$, describes the linear relationship between force and displacement for springs.
The work done on a spring can be calculated using integration: $W = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$.
A higher spring constant indicates a stiffer spring that requires more force to achieve the same displacement.
In problems involving potential energy stored in a spring, use the formula $U = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$.
Review Questions
Related terms
Hooke's Law: A principle stating that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement: $F = kx$.
Potential Energy: Energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, such as $U = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$ for a compressed or stretched spring.
Work: \\(In physics, it refers to energy transfer by applying force over a distance; for springs, it's calculated as \\) $$W = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$$.