Changing Shape Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

Why does stretching, bending or compressing a spring require more than one force?

A single force would simply make the spring move; two opposing forces (e.g. the weight pulling down and the support pulling up) are needed to change its shape.

What is the difference between elastic and inelastic distortion?

Elastic: the object returns to its original shape when the forces are removed. Inelastic: it stays permanently changed in shape.

What is meant by the limit of proportionality of a spring?

The point beyond which extension is no longer directly proportional to the force, so the force–extension graph stops being a straight line.

On a force–extension graph for a rubber band, what is different about the unloading line compared with the loading line?

The unloading line does not go through the same points as the loading line.

True or false? For a spring stretched within its limit of proportionality, the loading and unloading lines on a force–extension graph lie on the same straight line.

True. The spring's graph has only one line, passing through the same points both ways.

What is the elastic limit of an object?

The point beyond which the object no longer returns to its original shape when the forces are removed. It stays permanently distorted.