2.

12 Understanding Elasticity
Elasticity Hookes Law Elastic Potential Energy Factors affecting the stiffness of a spring Arrangement of identical spring

Elasticity
Elasticity is the property of a material that enables it to return to its original size and shape when the external force acting on it is removed.

Example

 Elasticity of material are due to the strong intermolecular forces between the molecules of the material.

intermolecular forces between the molecules of the material.

Explanation : The atoms are separated by a distance called the equilibrium distance and vibrate at it position. Force of repulsion = Force of attraction

Forces between atoms in compression

Explanation : Force of repulsion takes effect. When the compressive force is removed, force of repulsion between the atoms pushes

Forces between atoms in tension

Explanation Force of attraction takes effect. When the compressive force is removed, force of repulsion between the atoms pushes the atom back to their equilibrium positions.

Hookes Law
HL states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force acting on it provided that the elastic limit of the spring is not exceeded.
The elastic limit of a spring is defined as the maximum force that can be applied to a spring such that the spring will be able to be restored to its original length

Spring Constant, k

Example

Solution

Elastic potential energy

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a spring when it is extended or compressed.

Relationship between work and elastic potential energy

Area under the graph = work done = Fx so, Ep = Fx

x = 15 - 8 = 7 cm = 0.07 m
Force act to the spring, F = 5 x 10 = 50 N Elastic potential energy = Fx = 50 (0.07) = 1.75 J

Factors that effect elasticity

Arrangement of identical springs

Series arrangement

Parallel arrangement

If n identical springs are arranged in series,

If n identical springs are arranged in parallel,