Changing Shape (Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics)

Revision Note

Changing Shape

  • For stationary objects, multiple forces have to be applied to change their shape

  • Objects can change their shape by:

    • compressing

    • stretching

    • bending

  • A combination of all three shape changes can also occur

Compression

  • An object is compressed when forces act:

    • in opposite directions

    • towards the object

  • An example of compression is placing a mass on top of a spring placed on a flat surface

  • The two forces are:

    • the weight of the mass on the spring

    • the normal contact force of the surface on the spring

Stretching

  • An object is stretched when forces act:

    • in opposite directions

    • away from the object

  • An example of stretching is placing a mass on the bottom of a spring hanging vertically from a rod

  • The two forces are:

    • the weight of the mass on the spring

    • the normal contact force of the rod on the spring

  • These two opposing forces cause a tension force in the spring

Compressing and stretching a spring

Compressing and stretching a spring for IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes
The spring is compressed when opposing forces act toward the object, the spring is stretched when opposing forces act away from the object

Bending

  • An object is bent when multiple forces act:

    • in opposite directions

    • at different points on the object

  • An example of bending is a diving board bending when a swimmer stands at the far end

  • The two forces are:

    • the weight of the swimmer on the diving board

    • the normal contact force of the block on the dividing board

Forces on a diving board

Diving Board Bending, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes
Forces on a diving board cause it to bend when a swimmer stands on one end

Multiple forces acting on an object

Multiple opposing forces cause an object to bend for IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes
Multiple forces act in opposing directions at different points on the object causing it to bend

Elastic distortions

  • When some objects are stretched they will return to their original shape and length once the forces are removed

  • Elastic distortion occurs when:

Objects return to their original shape when the stretching force is removed

  • Examples of materials that undergo elastic distortion are:

    • rubber bands

    • fabrics

    • steel springs

Inelastic distortions

  • Inelastic distortion occurs when:

Objects remain stretched and do not return completely to their original shape even when the stretching force is removed

  • Examples of materials that undergo inelastic distortion are:

    • plastic

    • clay

    • glass

Elastic and inelastic distortions

Elastic & inelastic distortion in springs for IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes
Elastic materials return to their original shape and size after stretching whilst inelastic materials don’t

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