What does Hooke's Law state about elongation of a material?

Hooke's Law states that the elongation or deformation of a material is directly proportional to the force applied to it, provided that the material's elastic limit is not exceeded. This fundamental principle of elasticity implies that if you double the force applied, the elongation will also double, assuming the material behaves elastically and is within its limits. This relationship is essential in various fields, including engineering and physics, as it helps predict how materials will respond under different loads, which is crucial for designing safe and effective structures and materials.