\[F = -kx\]
Variables
Fspring restoring force (N)
kspring constant (N/m)
xspring displacement from equilibrium (m)
Description
What is this formula?
The spring restoring force equation calculates the force exerted by a spring when it is stretched or compressed. The negative sign indicates that the force acts opposite to the displacement.
When to use it
Use this formula when analyzing springs, oscillations, suspension systems, vibration problems, or elastic mechanical systems.
Example
A spring with constant 250 N/m is stretched by 0.08 m.
Data:
k = 250 N/m
x = 0.08 m
Formula:
F = -k*x
Substitution:
F = -250*0.08
Result:
F = -20 N
Applications
Mechanical engineering, vibration analysis, suspension systems, oscillatory motion, robotics, and elastic system design.