How is the extension of a spring related to the force applied to it?

The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied to it according to Hooke’s Law. This principle states that, within the elastic limit of the spring, the force needed to extend or compress a spring is directly proportional to the distance it is stretched or compressed from its original length. Mathematically, this relationship can be represented as F = kx, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant, and x is the extension of the spring.

Therefore, as the force applied to the spring increases, the extension also increases proportionally, assuming the spring does not exceed its elastic limit. This relationship reinforces the fundamental concept that springs behave predictably under normal circumstances, enabling various applications in physics and engineering.