What is the "spring constant"?

Spring constant is a principle in physics also known as Hooke's Law. Named after Robert Hooke, the principle states that the force needed to lengthen or restrain a spring by a certain distance is proportional to that distance. Mathematicians express this principle as f = -kx.

In the equation, the variable f represents the force needed, while -k represents the spring constant specifically. X represents the distance. Engineering and science are two fields that principally use Hooke's Law.

In modern life, this principle is the basis for disciplines, such as seismology and molecular mechanics. The theory of elasticity is largely based on Hooke's law.