Springs

• To stretch, bend or compress an object, more than one force has to be applied

  • if a single force is applied it will just move in that direction
• Deformation - changing the shape of an object
• Elastic Deformation - the object returns to its original shape when the load is removed

  • an elastic band
• Plastic Deformation - the object does not return to its original shape once the load has been removed

  • a spring when pulled too far
• When a force stretches or compresses a spring, the spring does work

  • elastic potential energy is stored in the spring
  • provided it doesn't elastically deform, the work done on the spring is equal to the elastic potential energy stored