Extending springs

Extending springs

The force required to stretch a spring is given by \(\text{force}=\text{spring constant}\times\text{extension}\).
The spring constant, or stiffness of a spring, determines how difficult it is to stretch. It is the force required to stretch the spring by 1 m, given in N/m. This equation can also be written as \(F=ke\) where:
- \(F\) is the force causing the extension in N
- \(k\) is the spring constant in N/m
- \(e\) is the extension in m
This equation can also be applied when e instead represents the distance the spring has been compressed.
This equation will only apply to springs that have not been stretched beyond their limit of proportionality.
- This is the extension after which force is no longer proportional to extension.
- Inelastic deformation starts after this point.

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