TeXes Science Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the TeXes Science Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ensure your readiness for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

According to Hooke's Law, how is restoring force expressed in relation to displacement?

F = kx
F = -kx
F = x/k
F = -x/k

The correct answer is: F = -kx

Hooke's Law states that the restoring force exerted by a spring or elastic material is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position but in the opposite direction. This relationship is succinctly captured in the formula F = -kx, where F represents the restoring force, k is the spring constant (a measure of the stiffness of the spring), and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position. The negative sign in the equation indicates that the force exerted by the spring acts in the opposite direction to the displacement. For example, if the spring is stretched (displacement is positive), the restoring force will pull back toward the equilibrium position (force is negative). Conversely, if the spring is compressed (displacement is negative), the restoring force will act in the positive direction to return to equilibrium. Thus, since the correct expression emphasizes the restoring nature of the force in opposition to displacement, it conforms perfectly to the principles outlined by Hooke’s Law.