Definition:Spring/Ideal
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Definition
An ideal spring obeys Hooke's Law:
- $\mathbf F = -k \mathbf x$
where:
- $\mathbf F$ is the force caused by a displacement $\mathbf x$
- $k$ is the constant of proportion.
The negative sign indicates that the force pulls in the opposite direction to that of the displacement imposed.
Spring Force Constant
- $k \in \R_{>0}$
is known as the (spring) force contant.
Its value depends on the particular spring under investigation.
The SI unit of the force constant is newtons per metre: $\mathrm N \ \mathrm m^{-1}$.
Sources
- 1972: George F. Simmons: Differential Equations ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 3.20$: Vibrations in Mechanical Systems