A Level Physics Practice Exam

What is Hooke's Law?

1. Force is inversely proportional to extension

2. Force is directly proportional to extension

3. Force is independent of extension

4. Force is exponentially related to extension

The correct answer is: Force is directly proportional to extension

Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the extension or compression of the spring, provided that the elastic limit of the material is not exceeded. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as F = kx, where F is the force applied to the spring, k is the spring constant, and x is the extension (or compression) from its natural length. This means that if you double the extension of the spring, the force required to achieve that extension also doubles, illustrating a linear relationship. Understanding this principle is essential in physics because it governs the behavior of springs and elastic materials, allowing us to predict how they will react under different forces. Thus, when dealing with springs or materials that obey Hooke's Law, knowing that the force is directly proportional to the extension is fundamental to analyzing problems involving elastic potential energy, oscillations, and mechanical systems.