CIE A Level Physics
 Revision Notes
Home / A Level / Physics / CIE / Revision Notes / 6. Deformation of Solids / 6.2 Deformation: Elastic & Plastic Behaviour / 6.2.1 Elastic & Plastic Behaviour
6.2.1 Elastic & Plastic Behaviour
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1. PHYSICAL QUANTITIES &
UNITS
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2. KINEMATICS
Elastic & Plastic Deformation
3. DYNAMICS
Elastic deformation: when the load is removed, the object will return to its
original shape
Plastic deformation: when the load is removed, the object will not return to its
original shape or length. This is beyond the elastic limit
Elastic limit: the point beyond which the object does not return to its original
length when the load is removed
These regions can be determined from a Force-Extension graph:
4. FORCES, DENSITY &
PRESSURE
5. WORK, ENERGY & POWER
6. DEFORMATION OF
SOLIDS
6.1 Deformation: Stress &
Strain
6.2 Deformation: Elastic &
Plastic Behaviour
6.2.1 Elastic & Plastic
Behaviour
6.2.2 Elastic Potential Energy
7. WAVES
Below the elastic limit, the material exhibits elastic behaviour
Above the elastic limit, the material exhibits plastic behaviour
Elastic deformation occurs in the ‘elastic region’ of the graph. The extension is
proportional to the force applied to the material (straight line)
Plastic deformation occurs in the ‘plastic region’ of the graph. The extension is
no longer proportional to the force applied to the material (graph starts to
curve)
These regions are divided by the elastic limit
Brittle and ductile materials
Brittle materials have very little to no plastic region e.g. glass, concrete. The
material breaks with little elastic and insignificant plastic deformation
Ductile materials have a larger plastic region e.g. rubber, copper. The material
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8. SUPERPOSITION
9. ELECTRICITY
10. D.C. CIRCUITS
11. PARTICLE PHYSICS
12. MOTION IN A CIRCLE
13. GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS
14. TEMPERATURE
15. IDEAL GASES
16. THERMODYNAMICS
17. OSCILLATIONS
18. ELECTRIC FIELDS
19. CAPACITANCE
20. MAGNETIC FIELDS
Stress-strain curve for a brittle and ductile material
To identify these materials on a stress-strain or force-extension graph up to
their breaking point:
A brittle material is represented by a straight line through the origins with
no or negligible curved region
A ductile material is represented with a straight line through the origin
then curving towards the x-axis
21. ALTERNATING CURRENTS
22. QUANTUM PHYSICS
23. NUCLEAR PHYSICS
24. MEDICAL PHYSICS
25. ASTRONOMY &
COSMOLOGY
 Worked Example
A sample of metal is subjected to a force which increases to a maximum
value and then fractures. A force-extension graph for the sample is shown.
What is the behaviour of the metal between X and Y?A. both elastic and
plastic
B. not elastic and not plastic
C. plastic but not elastic
D. elastic but not plastic
ANSWER: C
Since the graph is a straight line and the metal fractures, the point after X must
be its elastic limit
The graph starts to curve after this and fractures at point Y
This curve between X and Y denotes plastic behaviour
Therefore, the correct answer is C
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Exam Tip
Although similar definitions, the elastic limit and limit of proportionality
are not the same point on the graph. The limit of proportionality is the
point beyond which the material is no longer defined by Hooke’s law. The
elastic limit is the furthest point a material can be stretched whilst still able
to return to its previous shape. This is at a slightly higher extension than the
limit of proportionality. Be sure not to confuse them.
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Author: Katie
Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics
at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to
Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and
absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.
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