Hooke's Law

F_s = -kx

The restoring force (F_s) of a spring is directly proportional to its displacement (x).

System Controls

50 N/m
Soft (10)Stiff (100)
+0.50 m
Compress (-1)Stretch (+1)

Live Measurements

Spring Force (F_s)-25.0 N
Applied Force (F_a)25.0 N
Potential Energy (E_p)6.3 J

Key Insight

When stretched, the restoring force is negative (pulling left). Energy (6.3J) equals the area under the Force-Displacement graph.

Physical Model

Displacement
Applied
Restoring
x = 0Massx = 0.50mF_aF_s

Applied Force vs. Displacement

Area = Potential Energy
x (m)F_a (N)(0.50, 25.0)E_p = 6.3J