In Hooks Law when you graph it what is the physical meaning

In Hooks Law when you graph it what is the physical meaning of the vertical intercept? If there is not a vertical intercept, explain why?

Solution

The hookes law theoriticaly says that

F = Kdx

Where K is the spring constant and dx is the displacement in the spring, this is a linear relation but actually there is some force on the attached mass even when the spring is unstreched. This force Fo is the verticle intercept in the plot.

Hence the actual relation is

F =KdX + Fo , where Fo is the force on the unstreched system.

If there is no intercept than , there is no force in this case . For example a mass in horizontal surface attached with a spring.