Changing Shape (Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics)
Revision Note
Written by: Leander Oates
Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll
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
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
Multiple forces acting on an object
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
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