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pV At the equilibrium distance d, the attractive force equal to the repulsive force.
pV 3f the 2 atoms are brought closer, the repulsive force will dominate, produces a net repulsive
force between the atoms.
pV 3f the 2 atoms are brought further, the attractive force will dominate, produces a net attractive
force between the atoms.

x
 
  


x0 = Equilibrium Distance

When the particles are compressed, x < x0, the attractive force between the particles increases.
3f the distance x exceeds the elastic limit, the attractive force will decreases

 


Hooke's Law states that if a spring is not stretched beyond its elastic limit, the force that acts on it is
directly proportional to the extension of the spring.





The elastic limit of a spring is defined as the maximum force that can be applied to a spring such that the
spring will be able to be restored to its original length when the force is removed.


    



From Hook's Law, we can derived that

 



Spring constant is defined as the ratio of the force applied on a spring to the extension of the spring.

3t is a measure of the stiffness of a spring or elastic object.

x
    


Gradient = Spring constant

Area below the graph = Work done




 



The higher the gradient, the greater the spring constant and the harder (stiffer) spring.

For example, the stiffness of spring A is greater than spring B.

u 
 V

  



  

 

Extension = x × number of spring Extension = x ÷ number of spring

Stiffness decreases Stiffness increases
Spring constant = k/number of spring Spring constant = k × number of spring




  

 

 




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(A steel spring is stiffer than a copper spring)

#
    

 
(The greater the diameter of the wire, the stiffer the spring)
#
   
 
(The smaller the diameter of spring, the stiffer the spring)

  
 
(Shorter spring is stiffer)