What does the term 'deformation' mean?

Deformation refers to the change in the shape of an object, as a result of forces being applied to it.

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What is elastic deformation?

Elastic deformation is a change in the shape of an object, which can be reversed once the forces causing it have been removed.


So the object will return to its original shape.

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What is inelastic deformation?

Inelastic deformation is a change in the shape of an object, which cannot be reversed once the forces causing it have been removed.


So the object will not return to its original shape. 

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On the graph above, what sort of deformation occurs in the highlighted part of the line?

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On the graph above, what sort of deformation occurs in the highlighted part of the line?

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What does the term 'spring constant' mean?

An object's spring constant is a measure of how many Newtons of force it would require to stretch (or compress) the object by 1 metre.


It has the units N m-1. It's basically a measure of how firm (or stiff) the spring is.

A higher spring constant means the spring is more firm (harder to stretch).

A lower spring constant means the spring is less firm (easier to stretch).

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Which would have a higher spring constant, an elastic band, or a hosepipe?

A hosepipe would have a much higher spring constant as it would require much more force to stretch.

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What is Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law states that the extension of an object is directly proportional to the force applied.

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what is the formula linking applied force (F), spring constant (k), and extension (Δ\Deltal)?

F = kΔl


F = force (N)

k = spring constant (Nm-1)

Δ\Deltal = extension (m)


The value for Δ\Deltal will be negative for compression.

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What is the 'elastic limit'?

The point at which an object being stretched stops deforming elastically, and starts deforming inelastically. 

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What name is given to the point where extension is no longer proportional to force?

Limit of proportionality

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