Mechanical Properties of Matter and Hooke's Law

Vocabulary flashcards covering deformation of solids, elasticity, elastic limits, and Hooke's Law based on the lecture transcript.

Deforming Force

An external force applied on an object that can change its size or shape.

Extension

The increase in length of a spring or object resulting from an applied force.

Compression

The reduction in length of a spring or object resulting from an applied force.

Elasticity

The property of a material by which it restores its original size and shape after the removal of the deforming force.

Inelastic Materials

Materials, such as clay dough or plasticine, that do not return to their original shape after the removal of the deforming force.

Elastic Limit

The threshold up to which a material remains elastic, beyond which any shape or size change becomes permanent.

Hooke's Law

The principle stating that the extension or compression $x$ is directly proportional to the applied force $F$ within the elastic limit, expressed as $F \propto x$ or $F = kx$.

Spring Constant ($k$)

The constant of proportionality $k = \frac{F}{x}$ in Hooke's Law that serves as a measure of the stiffness of a spring, with the unit $\text{N\,m}^{-1}$.

Helical Spring

A spring of helical or spiral shape whose length should be greater than its diameter.

Force-Extension Graph Gradient

The slope or gradient of a force against extension graph, which serves as a measure of the spring constant $k$.