3.2.20

Elasticity

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Stretching and Squashing

Some materials can be stretched and squashed if they have elastic properties. If an object changes shape, this is called deformation.

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Stretching

  • Some objects are able to change shape by stretching.
  • If an object can stretch, we can measure its extension because it will be longer.
  • If we stretch an object, we must do work or transfer energy to stretch it.
  • If an object is stretched, it will have tension.
  • If an object is stretched, it is deformed.
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Squashing

  • Squashing an object will also lead to deformation.
  • When we squash an object, it will be shorter.
  • When an object is squashed by a force we say it has been compressed.
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Deformation

  • Sometimes, objects do not return to their original shape after they have been squashed or stretched.
    • This is called inelastic deformation.
  • When objects return to their original shape, we call this elastic deformation.
  • The more force you apply to an object, the more it will be deformed.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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