Which example best describes a restoring force?

Question

the force applied to stretch a spring and increase its length

the force applied to move a spring back to its original length

any force that is applied to a spring to change its length

the force applied to compress a spring and shorten its length

Answer 1

The example that best describes a restoring force is:

the force applied to move a spring back to its original length.

A restoring force is the force that acts to bring a system back to its equilibrium position or original state, such as when a spring is deformed and then returns to its natural length when the deforming force is removed.