Hooke’s spring model and elastic energy
A linear spring restores displacement toward equilibrium.
Key knowledge
An ideal one-dimensional spring has restoring force F=−kx and potential energy U=kx²/2 relative to equilibrium. The force law is an approximate material/geometry model valid over its linear elastic range, not a universal response of every deformable object.
Values and equations
F=−kx; U=½kx²
- F
- Axial restoring force N
- k
- Spring stiffness N m⁻¹
- x
- Displacement from spring equilibrium m
- U
- Stored elastic potential relative to equilibrium J
Conditions and scope
- k>0; x measures extension or compression from the equilibrium length along the model’s axis.
- Fixed spring parameters, negligible hysteresis and loading within the reversible linear range; beyond this range deformation can be nonlinear or permanent.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University, University Physics (2016)2 sources
- University Physics Volume 1, §15.1: simple harmonic motionSamuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University, University Physics (2016)Textbook chapter
- University Physics Volume 1, §8.1: potential energy of a systemSamuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University, University Physics (2016)Textbook chapter
Evidence and review
Read §15.1 Hooke restoring-force model and §8.1 elastic potential-energy integral. This is a one-dimensional spring model, not a complete elastic constitutive tensor.
2026-10-10 · /root/audit_life_earth_chemistry — independent Chemistry/Life/Earth editor. Independent AI editorial review of this entry's statements, equations, applicability conditions and source coverage. Source checks apply to these claims within their stated limits.
Entry details
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- foundation-physics-hooke-spring
- Revision
- foundations-refresh.1
- Structured reference record
- Foundational reference additions