AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Spring Forces
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
If a spring is stretched to the right of its equilibrium position, in which direction does the spring force act?
The spring force acts to the left, as it is always directed toward the equilibrium position.
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If a spring is stretched to the right of its equilibrium position, in which direction does the spring force act?
The spring force acts to the left, as it is always directed toward the equilibrium position.
Define the "equilibrium position" for a spring.
The equilibrium position corresponds to the spring's relaxed length, the position toward which the spring force is always directed.
What law describes the force exerted by an ideal spring?
The magnitude of the force exerted by an ideal spring on an object is given by Hooke's law.
What is the relationship between the force exerted by an ideal spring and its displacement?
The force exerted by an ideal spring is proportional to the change in its length (displacement) as measured from its relaxed length.
What is an ideal spring?
An ideal spring is a spring that has negligible mass and exerts a force proportional to the change in its length from its relaxed state.
In Hooke's Law, $\vec{F}_s = -k \Delta \vec{x}$, what does the negative sign signify?
The negative sign signifies that the spring force is a restoring force, meaning it always acts in the direction opposite to the displacement ($\Delta \vec{x}$).
In which direction is the spring force always directed?
The force exerted on an object by a spring is always directed toward the equilibrium position of the object-spring system.
If a spring is compressed to the left of its equilibrium position, in which direction does the spring force act?
The spring force acts to the right, as it is always directed toward the equilibrium position.
What two characteristics describe the force exerted by an ideal spring?
The force is proportional to the change in the spring's length and is always directed toward the equilibrium position.
State the formula for Hooke's Law.
Hooke's Law is given by the equation $\vec{F}_s = -k \Delta \vec{x}$.