Introduction

Elasticity is the ability of a material to regain its original shape or size after deformation or after removal of stress/force, or after it has been compressed. Deformation occurs when a wire is stretched or compressed. Deformation is elastic if the wire returns to its original position, while it is plastic if it does not return to its original position.

Terms Used in Elasticity

1. Elastic limit: Elastic limit is the maximum load (force) which a body can experience and still retain its original size/shape once the load/force has been removed. It can also be defined as “the point on a stress/strain or load/extension graph beyond which Hooke’s law is no longer obeyed.

2. Yield point: Is reached when a stretched wire does not return to its original position

3. Maximum load: When a load is added to a wire that it cannot stand any further increase, it is called maximum load.

4. Breaking point: Is the point at which the wire breaks away from the original, having been stretched beyond the yield point where it cannot stand any further stretching.

Hooke’s Law

Hooke’s law states that the force applied to spring is directly proportional to the extension (E) produced, provided the proportionality limit (of the spring) is not exceeded.

Mathematically, E ∝ L

E/L = K

E₁/L₁ = E₂/L₂

Read more below-

SS1 Physics Third Term: Elasticity