a) Key terms

a) tensile and compressive deformation; extension and compression

tensile deformation = the change in shape of a spring when it is stretched

compressive deformation = the change in shape of a spring when it is compressed

elastic deformation = the change in shape of a spring under a force where the spring returns to its original shape after the force has been removed

plastic deformation = the change in shape of a spring under a force where the spring does not return to its original shape after the force has been removed

elastic limit = the maximum stress that can be applied to a spring without causing plastic deformation

limit of proportionality = the point where Hooke’s law is no longer applicable to a spring when under a force