Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

What scientific principle is attributed to Robert Hooke?

1. Cell theory

2. Hook's law

3. Koch's Postulates

4. Pasteurization

The correct answer is: Hook's law

Robert Hooke is associated with Hook's Law, which describes the behavior of springs and other elastic materials. This law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the distance it is stretched or compressed from its rest position, as long as the material is not deformed beyond its elastic limit. Hooke's work laid the foundation for understanding elasticity in materials, which is crucial in various fields of science and engineering. The other options refer to different principles or theories. Cell theory, although significant to biology, was developed largely after Hooke's time by scientists like Schleiden and Schwann. Koch's Postulates are a set of criteria established by Robert Koch in microbiology to link specific pathogens to specific diseases. Pasteurization is a method developed by Louis Pasteur to kill pathogens in food and beverages through heat treatment. Each of these concepts represents advancements that occurred in different scientific realms and time periods, distinct from the contributions of Hooke himself.