Changing Shape Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

Why does stretching a spring require more than one force?

One force alone would make it accelerate; two opposing forces are needed to change its shape.
e.g. pulling one end while the other end is held.

Name the three ways an elastic object can be distorted by forces.

Stretching, bending and compressing.

What is elastic distortion?

The object returns to its original shape and length when the forces are removed.

What is inelastic distortion?

The object does not return to its original shape and length when the forces are removed; it stays permanently deformed.

True or false? A single force applied to a spring is enough to compress it.

False. At least two forces (a pair of opposing forces) are needed, otherwise the spring would simply accelerate.

True or false? A spring that has been stretched beyond its elastic limit no longer returns to its original length.

True. Past the elastic limit the distortion is inelastic and some deformation is permanent.