Elasticity

Changing Shape

As mentioned previously, forces can change the shape of an object (as well as change their velocity). When having a shape changed, an objects undergoes deformation. This can be from stretching, bending or compressing.

Notice in the diagram below that there are two arrows - or forces - required to change the shape. Without two forces the object would move, but not change shape.

Elasticity, figure 1

Deformation

There are two types of deformation or distortion:

Elasticity, figure 1