Open main menu

Deformation

Key Stage 1

Meaning

Some solids can change shape when you squash, twist or try to stretch them. This is called deformation.

Singular Noun: Deformation
Plural Noun: Deformation
Verb: To deform
Adjective: Deformed

About Deformation

If a solid is stretchy, or bendy its shape can be changed.

Materials that can be deformed:

Rubber
Plastic
Metal

Materials that cannot be deformed:

Brick
Rock
Glass

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Deformation is to change the shape of an object by applying a pair of forces.

About Deformation

Objects are deformed by the action of a pair of Equilibrium Forces.
These equilibrium forces are equal in size but opposite in direction acting at different ends of an object to deform it. If there is only one force then the object will not deform it will just accelerate.
Some objects deform plastically which means they stay in their new shape after the forces are gone.
Some objects deform elastically which means they will return to their original shape when the forces are gone.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Deformation is to change the shape of an object by applying a pair of equilibrium forces.

About Deformation

Equilibrium forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction acting at different ends of an object to deform it. If there is only one force then the object will not deform it will just accelerate.
Some objects deform inelastically which means they stay in their new shape after the forces are gone.
Some objects deform elastically which means they will return to their original shape when the forces are gone.


References

AQA

Deformation; elastic, pages 176-7, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
Deformation; plastic, pages 176-7, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA