forces and elasticity

what happens when you apply a force to an object?

it may stretch, compress, or bend

why do you need more than one force acting on an object to change its shape?

otherwise, the object would simply move in the direction of the force instead of changing shape

what does it mean if an object is elastically deformed?

it can return to its original shape and length after the force is removed

what is an elastic object?

an object that can be elastically deformed, like a spring

what does it mean if an object is inelastically deformed?

it does not return to its original shape and length after the force is removed

where is energy transferred when an object is stretched or compressed?

to the elastic potential energy store of the object

what is the relationship between force and extension for a stretched spring?

extension is directly proportional to the force applied

what is the equation for force in a spring?

f = ke

what does the spring constant depend on?

the material of the spring; a stiffer spring has a greater spring constant

when does the proportional relationship between force and extension stop working?

when the force exceeds the limit of proportionality

what happens when a spring passes the limit of proportionality?

extension is no longer proportional to force, and the graph curves instead of forming a straight line