Changing Shape (Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics)

Revision Note

Leander Oates

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

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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Leander Oates

Author: Leander Oates

Expertise: Physics

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.

Caroline Carroll

Author: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.