Robert Hooke, a scientist and inventor, was interested in springs for two reasons:
“The force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the amount by which it is stretched or compressed.”
Mathematically if “F” is the applied force and ‘x’ is the displacement (extension) in the spring then the equation for Hooke’s law may be written as:
𝑭 α 𝒙
𝑭 = 𝑲𝒙
Where k is spring constant (stiffness of spring).
Hooke’s law is applicable to all kinds of deformation and all types of matter i.e., solids, liquids or gases within a certain limit. This limit tells the maximum force or stress that can be safely applied on a body without causing permanent deformation in its length, volume or shape. In other words, it is a limit within which a body recovers its original length, volume or shape after the deforming force is removed.
It is important to note that Hooke’s law only applies to springs and other elastic materials within their elastic limit, meaning that they will return to their original shape when the force is removed. If the force exceeds the elastic limit, the material will not return to its original shape and may break.