An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The law stating that if a body is deformed the → strain produced is directly proportional to the applied → stress. If the elastic limit is not exceeded, the material returns to its original shape and size on the removal of the stress. Hooke’s law forms the basis of the theory of → elasticity.

More specifically, within certain limits, the force required to stretch an elastic object such as a metal spring is directly proportional to the extension of the spring. It is commonly written: F = -kx, where F is the force, x is the length of extension/compression and k is a constant of proportionality known as the spring constant.

See also: Named after Robert Hooke (1635-1703), British scientist who described the relationship in 1676; → law.