Introduction
 

Hooke's Law describes how the extension of a spring is related to the force applied, provided the spring has not exceeded its limit of proportionality. This topic introduces the behaviour of elastic materials, spring constants and elastic potential energy, forming an important link between forces, energy and material properties. Students should be able to analyse force-extension graphs and apply Hooke's Law to solve quantitative problems.
 

AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.4.3.1 Hooke's Law
 

What You Need to Know
 

• State Hooke's Law and explain that it applies only up to the limit of proportionality.

• Define the spring constant and state its unit (N m⁻¹).

• Calculate force, extension and spring constant using Hooke's Law.

• Distinguish between the limit of proportionality and the elastic limit.

• Interpret force-extension graphs for elastic materials.

• Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring.

• Understand the relationship between the area under a force-extension graph and the energy stored.

• Solve quantitative problems involving springs, elastic potential energy and force-extension graphs.
   

Downloadable Topic Pack
 

Hooke's Law Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
 

Related Topics
 

• Forces

• Work and Power

• Conservation of Energy

• Mechanical Properties of Materials

• Stress, Strain and Young Modulus