Define the elastic limit.

The elastic limit is the greatest force, or stress, a material can experience and still return to its original length when that force is removed.

Define the limit of proportionality.

The limit of proportionality is the point up to which the extension of a material remains directly proportional to the force applied to it.

A wire is loaded past its elastic limit and then unloaded. Describe the unloading line on its force–extension graph.

The unloading line is roughly parallel to the original straight portion but displaced to the right, meeting the extension axis at a non-zero extension.

CCEA A-Level Physics 1210

Physical Quantities, Scalars and Vectors

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Deformation of Solids

Elastic and plastic deformation and the elastic limit

3 things to know
Unit A2 1

Overview

Elastic deformation, plastic deformation and elastic limit.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

Distinguish between the limit of proportionality and the elastic limit.

Key term

What is meant by elastic deformation?

Key term

What is meant by plastic deformation?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is meant by elastic deformation?
Model answer
Elastic deformation is deformation from which the material returns completely to its original shape and length once the deforming force is removed.
2
What is meant by plastic deformation?
Model answer
Plastic deformation is deformation that is not reversed when the force is removed, so the material keeps a permanent change of shape.
3
Define the elastic limit.
Model answer
The elastic limit is the greatest force, or stress, a material can experience and still return to its original length when that force is removed.
4
Define the limit of proportionality.
Model answer
The limit of proportionality is the point up to which the extension of a material remains directly proportional to the force applied to it.
5
Distinguish between the limit of proportionality and the elastic limit.
Model answer
The limit of proportionality is where the force–extension graph stops being a straight line, whereas the elastic limit is the point beyond which the material no longer returns to its original length. The elastic limit lies at or just beyond the limit of proportionality.
6
A wire is loaded past its elastic limit and then unloaded. Describe the unloading line on its force–extension graph.
Model answer
The unloading line is roughly parallel to the original straight portion but displaced to the right, meeting the extension axis at a non-zero extension.

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