Physics A-Level
Hooke's law
What Hooke's law means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Hooke's law
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Reference: AQA
The extension of a spring or wire is directly proportional to the applied force, provided the limit of proportionality is not exceeded.
For a spring or wire obeying this law, F = kx, where F is the applied force in newtons and x is the extension in metres.
Behaviour shown by the initial straight-line region through the origin of a force–extension graph, where F = kx.
Behaviour in which the force–extension graph is a straight line through the origin, so that F = kx.
Topics that use Hooke's law
- Bulk properties of solids (AQA A-Level)
- Mechanical properties of matter (OCR A-Level)
- Springs (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Elastic limit
- Force constant
- Hooke's law behaviour
- Limit of proportionality
- Spring constant
- Tensile strain
- Tensile stress
- Young modulus
Using Hooke's law in the exam
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