Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Elastic deformation is when an object changes shape due to equilibrium forces but returns to its original shape when those equilibrium forces are removed.
About Elastic Deformation
- In elastic deformation the extension of an object is increases as the force increases.
- Elastic materials can be deformed (stretched) so far that they break, or start to deform plastically.
- Work is done to elastically deform an object.
- Elastic materials store elastic potential energy when they are elastically deformed.
Some common elastic materials are:
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Elastic deformation is when an object changes shape due to equilibrium forces but returns to its original shape when those equilibrium forces are removed.
About Elastic Deformation
- In elastic deformation the extension of an object is directly proportional to the equilibrium forces applied.
- Elastic materials can be deformed so far that they reach their elastic limit and begin to deform inelastically.
- Work is done to elastically deform an object as a mechanical energy transfer increases the store of elastic potential energy.