The graphs shown show the magnitude F of the force exerted by a spring as a function of the distance x the spring has been stretched. For which one of the graphs does the spring obey Hooke's law?
a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

A) Graph a
B) Graph b
C) Graph c
D) Graph d
E) Graph e

Question

The graphs shown show the magnitude F of the force exerted by a spring as a function of the distance x the spring has been stretched. For which one of the graphs does the spring obey Hooke's law? 
a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

A) Graph a 
B) Graph b 
C) Graph c 
D) Graph d 
E) Graph e

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The spring in graph b demonstrates a linear relationship between the amount it is stretched and the force exerted, suggesting that it follows Hooke's law where the force is directly proportional to the displacement. The other graphs do not show a linear relationship and therefore do not obey Hooke's law.

The Graphs Shown Show the Magnitude F of the Force