In a spring, the restoring force direction is:

In a spring, the restoring force direction is:

• A. In the same direction as the displacement
• B. In the opposite direction
• C. Randomly
• D. Zero

Answer: (B)

When a spring is displaced from its rest length, the force it experiences acts to bring it back to that rest length. This restoring force follows Hooke’s law: F = -k x, where x is the displacement from equilibrium and the minus sign means the force points opposite to the displacement. So, if you pull the spring to the right, the force on the mass is to the left; if you push it to the left, the force is to the right. This opposite direction is what drives the system back toward equilibrium, causing oscillation about that point. The force is not zero (except exactly at equilibrium) and not random, since its direction is always determined by how the spring is stretched or compressed.

When a spring is displaced from its rest length, the force it experiences acts to bring it back to that rest length. This restoring force follows Hooke’s law: F = -k x, where x is the displacement from equilibrium and the minus sign means the force points opposite to the displacement. So, if you pull the spring to the right, the force on the mass is to the left; if you push it to the left, the force is to the right. This opposite direction is what drives the system back toward equilibrium, causing oscillation about that point. The force is not zero (except exactly at equilibrium) and not random, since its direction is always determined by how the spring is stretched or compressed.