Final answer:
The force constant (spring constant) represents how stiff a spring is and is denoted by the symbol "k". Larger values of the force constant indicate greater restoring force and greater stiffness. It is measured in newtons per meter (N/m).
The correct answer is option (c) How stiff a spring is, denoted by the symbol "k."
Step-by-step explanation:
The force constant, or spring constant (k), gauges the stiffness of a spring, indicating the force it exerts during compression or elongation. Represented in newtons per meter (N/m), the force constant, denoted as "k," is crucial in Hooke's Law, linking force and displacement. A higher force constant signifies a stiffer spring, emphasizing a stronger restoring force. This property has widespread applications, from physics experiments to engineering designs, where understanding and manipulating the force constant are fundamental to predicting and controlling the behavior of springs in various systems, ensuring accurate calculations and efficient designs in mechanical and structural applications.
Thus, the correct answer is option (c) How stiff a spring is, denoted by the symbol "k."