Answer:
A. It is always a positive force
Explanation:
Hooke's law describes the relation between an applied force and extension ability of an elastic material. The law states that provided the elastic limit, e, of a material is not exceeded, the force, F, applied is proportional to the extension, x, provided temperature is constant.
i.e F = - kx
where k is the constant of proportionality, and the minus sign implies that the force is a restoring force.
The applied force can either be compressing or stretching force.