What is the relationship specified by Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the distance the spring is stretched or compressed from its equilibrium position, provided the elastic limit of the spring material is not exceeded. This relationship can be mathematically expressed as F = kx, where F is the force exerted, k is the spring constant (indicating the stiffness of the spring), and x is the displacement from the rest position. This principle is fundamental in understanding how springs and elastic materials behave under load.

The correct answer highlights this direct proportionality, illustrating how stretching the spring further results in a greater force exerted. This principle is widely applied in various mechanical and engineering contexts, emphasizing the predictable nature of spring behavior under elastic deformation.