AP Physics C: Mechanics / Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
2.8 Spring Forces
Notes
Hooke's law: $F_s=-k\Delta x$. The force points back toward equilibrium.
- $k$ is the spring constant (N/m).
Practice
A spring with $k=200$ N/m is stretched 0.1 m. The force:
$200\times0.1$.
Doubling the stretch makes the spring force:
Linear.
A stiffer spring has a:
More force per stretch.
Work done stretching a spring from 0 to $x$:
$\displaystyle \int_0^x kx'\,dx'$.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 2 test.