Question

he equation below can be used to find the force applied to an elastic object. The units used for k are __________ per metre. What ONE word completes the sentence?

Answer 1

To find the force applied to an elastic object. The units used for k are Newton per metre.

In the context of Hooke's Law, which describes the behavior of elastic objects, the equation is given by
`\( F = -kx \)`, where
`\( F \)` represents the force applied, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position. The spring constant k is a measure of the stiffness of the elastic material and quantifies how much force is needed to produce a certain displacement.

The units used for the spring constant k are "Newtons per meter" (
`N/m`). This unit expresses the amount of force (measured in Newtons) required to stretch or compress the material by one meter. Essentially, it indicates the resistance of the material to deformation. A higher spring constant implies a stiffer material, requiring more force for a given displacement, while a lower spring constant suggests a more elastic material that deforms more easily under applied force.

Understanding the units of the spring constant is crucial for accurately interpreting and applying Hooke's Law in various physics and engineering contexts, particularly when dealing with the elastic behavior of materials in springs, rubber bands, or other deformable objects.