Hooke's Law

In physics, Hooke's Law of elasticity states that if a force (F) is applied to an elastic spring or prismatic rod (with length L and cross section A), its extension is linearly proportional to its tensile stress σ:

ΔL = 1/E x F x L /A = 1/E x L x σ

The law holds up to a limit, called the elastic limit, or limit of elasticity, after which the metal will enter a condition of 'yield' and the spring will suffer plastic deformation up to the plastic limit or limit of plasticity, after which it will eventually break if the force is further increased (see tensile strength).

It is named after the 17th century physicist Robert Hooke, who initially published it as the anagram ceiiinosssttuv, which he later revealed to mean ut tensio sic vis, or as the extension, the force.

Applications of the law include spring operated weighing machines. Originally the law applied only to stretched springs, but subject to physical constraints it also applies to compression springs.

Spring equation

k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from equilibrium.