What is the symbol for the spring constant?

The symbol for the spring constant is represented by the letter "k". The spring constant is a measure of a spring's stiffness or rigidity, and it quantifies how much force is needed to stretch or compress a spring by a unit distance. According to Hooke's Law, the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the distance it is displaced from its equilibrium position. This can be expressed mathematically as F = kx, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from the rest position. A larger spring constant indicates a stiffer spring, requiring more force to achieve the same displacement compared to a spring with a smaller constant. Understanding this concept is fundamental when studying elastic materials and the mechanics of springs in physics.