In the relationship between the restoring force exerted by an ideal spring and its…

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

In the relationship between the restoring force exerted by an ideal spring and its displacement from equilibrium, the constant

k

most nearly represents which of the following physical quantities? (a) Half the slope of a graph of elastic potential energy

U

versus

x^{2}

, in

\text{N/m}

. (b) The negative slope of the graph of restoring force

F

versus displacement

x

, in

\text{N/m}

. (c) The stiffness of the spring, defined as the restoring force per unit displacement, measured in

\text{N/m}

. (d) The ratio of the maximum restoring force the spring can exert to its natural length, in

\text{N/m}