6.2.1—The terms elastic deformation, plastic deformation and elastic limit
- Syllabus
- 9702–2028–2029
- Objective
- 6.2.1
- Level
- AS
Elastic deformation is reversible, while plastic deformation leaves a permanent change
Elastic deformation disappears when the load is removed; plastic deformation remains. The elastic limit is the greatest load or stress before permanent deformation begins.
Separate the elastic limit from the limit of proportionality: a material may stop being linear before it becomes permanently deformed.
A metal wire unloaded within its elastic region returns to its original length; loaded beyond its elastic limit it remains longer.
Elastic does not mean perfectly linear, and plastic does not mean the object has already broken.
ConceptA-Level CAIE Physics AS