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Notes On Deformation Of Solids For Cambridge A Level

Deformation can be referred to as change of shape. For this kind of deformation either a tensile force which is responsible for stretching or compressive force which is responsible for squashing must be applied for deformation to occur.

Hooke’s Law

hooke's law

It states that provided the elastic limit is not exceeded, the extension(e) is directly proportional to the force applied

mathematically

F α e

F = Ke

F = force applied(N)

K = force constant (Nm-1)

e = extension(m)

It means before a material extends there must be force applied. This implies that extension depends on the force applied.

Extension: It is the change in length of a spring

Load: The weight attached to the spring

Graphicaly

hookes-law-graph

From this graph

force constant(k) = inverse of the graph’s slope

Another Hooke’s law graph

2

Force constant = the slope of the graph

The two graphs represent Hooke’s law. The only difference is how to calculate the force constant from the graphs.

Elastic limit:It is the maximum point where an elastic material can still return to its original size, shape, lenght and position if the force or load of distortion is removed.

a-phy-matdef-dia0b

p is the elastic limit

Elastic deformation can be define as the change in shape/size/length/dimension when force is removed and its returns to original shape/size

Plastic deformation it is point beyond the elastic limit where an elastic material losses its elastic properties.

Strain energy: when an object has its shape changed by forces acting on it, the object is said to be strained. strain energy is energy stored in a body due to change of shape.

figure_17_01_05a

capture

x = extension

Arrangement of spring in series and parallel

gambar-2

For the second springs arranged in series

The total extension =

capture

Total force constant =

capture

For the first springs arranged in parallel

Total extension =

capture

Total force constant =

capture

Young’s Modulus

It represents how easy it is to deform (stretch a material) or the measure of the stiffness of a material.

It can be define as the ratio of Tensile stress to tensile strain provided the limit of proportionality is not exceeded.

The Young’s modulus does not depend on the length of the wire but on the material that made the wirei.e increase on decrease in length of the wire doesn’t affect the youn modulus

capture

Stress is the force per unit cross-sectional area of the wire

strain is the fractional increase in the original length of the wire

Measurement of the Young Modulus

young modulus experiment

The Young’s modulus of this wire can be measured using this set up. The extension varies as the slotted masses changes. The extension can be detected as the marker on the wire changes position, and the new position being measured on the rule

What to measured and the measurement instrument

  • initial length: A meter rule to measure the initial length
  • diameter : A micrometer screw guage to measure the diameter of the wire
  • extension: A marker and ruler to measure the extension
  • force : A spring balance

Graphical representation of Young’s modulus

image1

To calculate Young’s modulus, you will find the slope of the graph i.e the slope of the graph = Young’s modulus

Types of material

  • Brittle : Materials break at the elastic limit. Example glass
  • Ductile : Materials become permanently deformed if they stretched beyond the elastic limit i.e they show plastic behaviour. Example Copper

Graph for brittle

images

Graph for ductile

ductile_material

Recommended: Solved questions on deformation of solids and kinematics

Bolarinwa Olajire

A tutor with a demonstrated history of working in the education industry. Skilled in analytical skills. Strong education professional with a M. SC focused in condensed matter. You can follow me on Twitter by clicking on the icon below to ask questions.

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