After reading these notes, test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Stretching and Squashing

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

Stretching

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.
Squashing

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.
Deformation

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
1

Biology

1.1

Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2

Reproduction & Variation

1.3

Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4

Digestion & Nutrition

1.5

Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6

Biological Systems & Processes

2

Chemistry

2.1

Particles

2.2

Chemical Reactions

2.3

Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4

The Periodic Table

2.5

Materials & the Earth

2.6

Reactivity

2.7

Energetics

2.8

Properties of Materials

3

Physics

3.1

Energy

3.2

Forces & Motion

3.3

Waves

3.4

Electricity & Magnetism

3.5

Matter

3.6

Space Physics

4

Disciplinary Knowledge

Practice questions on Elasticity

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
Answer all questions on Elasticity

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium