In the context of springs, what does the variable 'k' represent in Hooke's Law?

In the context of Hooke's Law, the variable 'k' represents the spring constant. This constant is a measure of a spring's stiffness or rigidity. According to Hooke's Law, the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement or compression of the spring from its original position. This relationship is mathematically expressed as F = kx, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement.

A higher value of 'k' indicates a stiffer spring that requires more force to achieve the same displacement compared to a spring with a lower spring constant. Thus, 'k' is essential for determining how a spring will behave under various loads, making it a fundamental concept in the study of mechanical systems involving springs.