In Hooke's law, what does the x represent?

A. the thickness of the spring

B. the length of the spring

C. the displacement of the spring

D. the distance from stretched to compressed

E. the equilibrium distance

Answer: C

X = Displacement of the spring

Hooke's law: It states that the applied force F is proportional to the displacement of spring.

F ∝ x

Where, x = displacement of spring in meters

F = force, measured in Newtons

In another words The force F is equal to the constant K times the disparagement.

F = k. x

Where k is constant and it depends on elastic material.

Spring has restorative force.

If the spring moves in opposite direction then,

F = - k. x

A negative sign indicates that the spring resists and force is to the left. The compression of the spring is greater than the restoring force.

Example: A mass 'm' stretches a spring at a displacement x.