The restoring force of a spring, with a block attached to the free end of the spring, is represented by:

Question

Accepted Answer

1.  **Hooke's Law:** The force exerted by a spring (restoring force) when it is compressed or stretched is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position and acts in the direction opposite to the displacement.
2.  **Mathematical Representation:** According to **Source 135** and **Source 145**, this force is given by the equation $F_s = -kx$, where:
    *   $F_s$ is the restoring force.
    *   $k$ is the spring constant (or force constant).
    *   $x$ is the displacement from the mean position.
    *   The negative sign indicates that the force is restoring, i.e., it opposes the displacement.
3.  **Conclusion:** The correct representation for the restoring force of a spring is $F = -kx$. (Note: Assuming Option 4 contained the correct formula based on the 'Probable Answer').

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