Answer to Question #86426 in Mechanics | Relativity for Anderson

Question

What should I do to find the gradient of a force vs extension graph? Should I use my best fit line?

Answer 1

As we know, according to Hooke's law, force can be represented as a function through extension (compression):

$$F(x)=kx,$$

where $k$ is a spring constant (or the gradient of the graph F vs. x). Hence, you can find it by determining the best fit line and dividing the corresponding values of force and extension (compression).