Elasticity is a solid’s ability to return to its original shape after an external force is applied and removed. Liquids and gases react differently due to their molecular composition. There are three types of forces that can affect solids: tension, compression, and shear. The amount of force applied determines if a solid can return to its original shape or exceed its elastic limit. Different materials have different elastic limits.
In physics, elasticity is the ability of a solid to return to its initial shape after an external force has been applied and then removed. An object with a high level of elasticity is capable of changing its shape greatly, while being able to return to its original shape. Solids with little or no elasticity permanently deform or break when a force is applied. The term elasticity can also be used to describe the ability of processes or systems to stretch or be flexible.
Due to the molecular composition of solids, liquids and gases, they all react differently to external stresses. The molecules that make up a solid are very close together and are in a precise arrangement. This means that there is little room to give when a force is applied to a solid. The molecules of liquids and gases are more widely spaced and move more freely than those of solids. When a force is applied to liquids and gases, they can either flow away from or around the force or be highly compressed, unlike most solids.
There are three different classes of forces, or stresses, that can affect solid objects. The first is tension, also called stretch, which occurs when equal but opposite forces are applied to both ends of the object. Compression is the second type of stress, which occurs when an object is put under pressure, or the force pushing on the solid is at 90 degrees to its surface. Imagine squeezing an empty paper towel roll between your hands with your hands at either end. The last type of stress is shear, which occurs when the force is parallel to the surface of the object.
Initially, when a force is applied to a solid, it will resist and remain in its original shape. As the strength increases, the solid will not be able to hold its strength and will begin to change shape or deform. Just as different types of solids have different elastic properties, they can also withstand different levels of force before being struck. Eventually, if the force is strong enough, the deformed shape will become permanent or the solid will break.
It is the amount of force that is applied to an object, not the duration, that will determine whether it can return to its initial shape. When the solid cannot return to its original shape, it is said to have exceeded its elastic limit. The elastic limit is the maximum amount of stress that a solid can withstand that will allow it to return to normal. This limit depends on the type of material used. Rubber bands have a high elasticity, for example, and therefore a high elastic limit compared to a concrete brick, which is almost inelastic and has a very low elastic limit.
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