A-level Physics/Forces and Motion/Deformation of solids
Contents
Hooke's law[edit]
This applies to an object's deformation only before the elastic limit; from then on it deforms plastically and no longer follows this law. it states that, extension is directly proportional to the applied force.
Spring Constant[edit]
The gradient refers to the gradient of a Tension-Extension graph.
The standard units of k are N m−1
Strain[edit]
Because this is a division of two measurements of length, Strain has no units and remains a ratio.
It can also be represented as
Stress[edit]
The units for Stress are N m−2, otherwise known as Pascals (Pa)
The Young's modulus[edit]
Strain energy[edit]
However, due to Hooke's Law, it can be calculated in another form, y=mx+c;
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Elastic limit[edit]
the maximum extent to which a solid may be stretched without permanent alteration of size or shape.
Plastic limit[edit]
When the stress is sufficient to permanently deform the metal, it is called plastic deformation.