The spring constant k

When a spring is extended a distance Dy, with a force fy, the spring constant k is defined as....

k = fy/Dy

For a steel spring the value of k is the same for all extensions.

Note: the spring constant k is a property of the spring, not a property of the steel the spring is made from.

Young's modulus is defined in the same way as the spring constant, but modified so that the modulus is a property of the material, not the specific sample.

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