Spring Constant (k)

0

N/m

Elastic Potential Energy

0

J

Calculation Formula
k = F / x
Force vs Displacement
Spring Visualization

Hooke's Law states that the force (F) needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance (x) scales linearly with respect to that distance.

F = -k·x

Where:

  • F is the force applied to the spring (in Newtons)
  • x is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position (in meters)
  • k is the spring constant (in N/m)
  • The negative sign indicates that the force is in the opposite direction of the displacement

The potential energy (PE) stored in a spring is given by:

PE = ½k·x²

Where:

  • PE is the elastic potential energy (in Joules)
  • k is the spring constant (in N/m)
  • x is the displacement from equilibrium (in meters)

Springs in Series

For springs connected end-to-end (series), the equivalent spring constant (k_eq) is:

1/k_eq = 1/k₁ + 1/k₂ + ... + 1/kₙ

Springs in Parallel

For springs connected side-by-side (parallel), the equivalent spring constant is:

k_eq = k₁ + k₂ + ... + kₙ