Grade 10
  1. Mechanics  1.1. Dynamics  1.1.1. Motion in one dimension  1.1.2. Motion in two dimensions  1.1.3. Displacement and Distance  1.1.4. Speed and Velocity  1.1.5. Acceleration  1.1.6. Graphical representation of motion  1.1.7. Equations of motion  1.1.8. Free fall and acceleration due to gravity  1.1.9. Projectile motion  1.1.10. Relative speed  1.2. Dynamics  1.2.1. Newton's Laws of Motion  1.2.2. Inertia and mass  1.2.3. Force and its types  1.2.4. action and reaction force  1.2.5. Friction and its effects  1.2.6. Coefficient of friction  1.2.7. Circular motion  1.2.8. Centripetal force and centripetal acceleration  1.2.9. Momentum and Impulse  1.2.10. Conservation of momentum  1.2.11. Newton's third law and applications  1.3. Work, Energy and Power  1.3.1. Work done by the force  1.3.2. Work–energy theorem  1.3.3. Kinetic energy  1.3.4. Potential energy  1.3.5. Mechanical energy  1.3.6. Energy Conservation  1.3.7. Power and efficiency  1.3.8. Renewable and non-renewable energy sources  1.4. Gravitational force  1.4.1. Newton's law of universal gravitation  1.4.2. Gravitational field and field strength  1.4.3. Acceleration due to gravity on different planets  1.4.4. Kepler's laws of planetary motion  1.4.5. Orbits and satellites  1.4.6. Weight and apparent weight  1.4.7. Gravitational potential energy
  2. Properties of matter  2.1. States of matter  2.1.1. Solid, liquid and gas  2.1.2. Molecular structure of matter  2.1.3. Intermolecular forces  2.1.4. Plasma and Bose–Einstein condensate  2.2. Pressure  2.2.1. Definition of Pressure  2.2.2. Pressure in liquids  2.2.3. Atmospheric pressure  2.2.4. Pascal's principle  2.2.5. Archimedes' Principle and Buoyancy  2.2.6. Surface tension and capillarity  2.3. Elasticity  2.3.1. Hooke's law  2.3.2. Stress and strain  2.3.3. Elastic Limit and Modulus of Elasticity  2.3.4. Applications of Elasticity
  3. Thermal physics  3.1. heat and temperature  3.1.1. Difference Between Heat and Temperature  3.1.2. Temperature scale  3.1.3. Thermal expansion  3.1.4. Thermal equilibrium  3.2. Heat transfer  3.2.1. Conductivity  3.2.2. Convection  3.2.3. Radiation  3.2.4. Insulation and its applications  3.3. Thermal properties of matter  3.3.1. Specific heat capacity  3.3.2. Latent heat and phase change  3.3.3. Boiling and Melting Point  3.3.4. Heat engines and refrigeration  3.4. Laws of Thermodynamics  3.4.1. Zeroth law of thermodynamics  3.4.2. First law of thermodynamics  3.4.3. Second law of thermodynamics  3.4.4. Carnot cycle
  4. Waves and optics  4.1. Nature and properties of waves  4.1.1. Types of waves in nature and properties of waves  4.1.2. Transverse and longitudinal waves  4.1.3. Wave parameters  4.1.4. Reflection and refraction of waves  4.1.5. Superposition and Interference  4.1.6. Standing Waves and Resonance  4.1.7. Doppler effect  4.2. Sound waves  4.2.1. Characteristics of sound waves  4.2.2. Speed of sound in different mediums  4.2.3. Applications of sound waves  4.2.4. Ultrasound and its uses  4.3. Light Waves and Optics  4.3.1. Nature of light  4.3.2. Reflection of light  4.3.3. Laws of reflection  4.3.4. Mirrors and Image Formation  4.3.5. Refraction of light  4.3.6. Snell's Law  4.3.7. Lenses and Image Formation  4.3.8. Total internal reflection and critical angle  4.3.9. Optical fibre  4.4. Optical Instruments  4.4.1. Microscope  4.4.2. Telescope  4.4.3. Human eye and vision defects  4.4.4. Camera and its working principle
  5. Electricity and Magnetism  5.1. Electrostatics  5.1.1. Electric charge and its properties  5.1.2. Conductors and Insulators  5.1.3. Coulomb's law  5.1.4. Electric field and field lines  5.1.5. Electric potential and potential difference  5.1.6. Capacitors and Capacitance  5.2. Current Electricity  5.2.1. Electric current and its measurement  5.2.2. Ohm's law  5.2.3. Resistance and resistivity  5.2.4. Series and Parallel Circuits  5.2.5. Electric power and energy  5.2.6. Kirchhoff's Laws  5.3. Magnetism and Electromagnetism  5.3.1. Magnetic field and field lines  5.3.2. Magnetic effects of electric current  5.3.3. Electromagnetic induction  5.3.4. Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction  5.3.5. Transformers and Applications  5.3.6. AC and DC current
  6. Modern Physics  6.1. Nuclear physics  6.1.1. Structure of the atom  6.1.2. Bohr's atomic model  6.1.3. Electron Energy Levels  6.1.4. X-rays and applications  6.2. Radioactivity  6.2.1. Types of radiation  6.2.2. Half-life and radioactive decay  6.2.3. Nuclear reactions and applications  6.2.4. Fission and Fusion  6.3. Quantum physics  6.3.1. Wave–particle duality  6.3.2. Photoelectric effect  6.3.3. Energy quantization  6.3.4. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
  7. Electronics and Communication  7.1. Semiconductors  7.1.1. Conductors, Insulators and Semiconductors  7.1.2. Diodes and their applications  7.1.3. Transistors and Logic Gates  7.1.4. LEDs and photodiodes  7.2. Communication Systems  7.2.1. Basics of communication  7.2.2. Analog and digital signals  7.2.3. Wireless and optical fibre communication  7.2.4. Radio Waves and Modulation

Grade 10 → Properties of matter → Elasticity ↓


Applications of Elasticity


Elasticity is a fascinating property of materials that describes their ability to return to their original shape after being deformed. In physics, this concept is extremely important, especially in understanding how materials respond to forces. In our everyday lives, we encounter many applications of elasticity that range from simple objects like rubber bands to more complex engineering designs like bridges and skyscrapers.

Understanding elasticity

Before delving deeper into the applications, let us first understand what elasticity is. When a force is applied to a substance, its shape can change. If the substance returns to its original shape when the force is removed, it is said to be elastic. The classic example of this is the stretching of a rubber band, which returns to its original shape when released.

Elasticity: The ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.

Young's modulus

The elasticity of materials is often measured by a property called Young's modulus, represented by the symbol E. It is a measure of the stiffness of a given material and is defined as the ratio of stress to strain in the linear elasticity regime of uniaxial deformation.

E = stress / strain = (F/A) / (ΔL/L0)

Where:

  • F is the applied force.
  • A is the area of the cross section.
  • ΔL is the change in length.
  • L0 is the original length.

The higher the value of Young's modulus, the stiffer the material, which indicates less deformability under stress. For example, steel has a higher Young's modulus, making it less likely to deform under force than rubber, which has a lower Young's modulus.

Hooke's law

One of the fundamental principles relating to elasticity is Hooke's law, which states that the force required to extend or compress a spring a distance is proportional to that distance.

F = k * x

Where:

  • F is the force applied on the spring.
  • k is the spring constant.
  • x is the extension or compression of the spring.

Within the elastic limit, the material will follow this linear relationship. Beyond this limit, the material may bend and not return to its original shape.

Applications of elasticity

1. Bridge

Bridges are perfect examples of engineering structures that must take elasticity into account. These structures have to withstand forces such as weight loads, wind, and sometimes earthquakes. Engineers use materials with specific elastic properties to ensure that the bridge can flex slightly to absorb these forces without breaking.

Bridge

2. Springs in vehicles

In vehicles, springs use the principle of elasticity to absorb shocks from the road. This increases comfort and safety. By compressing and expanding within the limits of their elasticity, vehicle springs reduce the impact of bumps, providing a smoother ride.

Vehicle

3. Building material design

Elasticity is important in the design of building materials. Concrete, wood and metal are selected based on their ability to withstand various forms of stress and strain. For tall buildings, materials must have enough elasticity to resist not only static loads but also dynamic loads such as wind and seismic activities.

4. Bungee jumping cords

Flexibility is a lifesaver in bungee jumping. The rope used is highly elastic, allowing it to stretch to a great extent without breaking. This extension feature absorbs the energy and brings the jumper back without any harm.

Bungee cord

5. Rubber bands and everyday items

Rubber bands are one of the simplest but most common examples of elasticity at work. They can be stretched to many times their original size and they recover once the force is gone. This property is used everyday to tie things together, in braces to adjust the position of teeth, and in many other areas.

6. Aerospace industry

In aerospace, the materials used to build aircraft need to be lightweight while also being able to withstand enormous amounts of stress. Elasticity considerations ensure that these materials will not permanently deform under conditions encountered at high altitudes or during extreme maneuvers.

7. Sports equipment

Elasticity also plays an important role in sports, from the bend of a bow during archery to the shaft of a golf club. These tools rely on elastic materials to efficiently store and release energy during use.

8. Medical equipment

Flexibility is very important in the medical field. Consider the design of catheters, stents, and many surgical instruments, which require flexibility to move safely through the human body.

9. Musical instruments

Musical instruments such as guitars and violins rely on elasticity. Strings can stretch (up to a limit) and return to their original state when plucked or strummed, producing resonant sound waves.

Elastic limit and plasticity

While many applications depend on materials returning to their original shape, it is important to understand that every material has an elastic limit, the maximum extent to which it can be elastically deformed (without undergoing permanent changes). Beyond this point, a material can become plastic, meaning it is permanently deformed and cannot regain its original shape.

Real life worksheet problems

Let us consider some problems to strengthen our understanding:

Problem 1: Dangling wire

A steel wire of length 2 m and cross section 5 mm2 is hung from a rigid support with a load of 20 kg at its lower end. What is the elongation produced? (Young's modulus for steel, E = 2 x 1011 N/m2)

Solution: Given, Length, L = 2m Cross-section area, A = 5 x 10-6 m2 Load, F = mg = 20 x 9.8 = 196 N Young's Modulus, E = 2 x 1011 N/m2 Strain = F/(E * A) = 196/(2 x 1011 * 5 x 10-6 ) = 1.96 x 10-3 Elongation, ΔL = Strain x L = 1.96 x 10-3 x 2m = 3.92 x 10-3 m ≈ 3.92 mm

Problem 2: Spring compression

A spring with a spring constant k 1500 N/m is compressed through a distance of 0.1 m. Find the force exerted by the spring.

Solution: Given, Spring constant, k = 1500 N/m Compression, x = 0.1 m Force, F = k * x = 1500 * 0.1 = 150 N

Conclusion

Elasticity is a fundamental concept in physics that describes how materials react to external forces. From everyday objects to complex engineering feats, an understanding of elastic properties allows us to design stronger, more efficient, and adaptable structures and devices. By knowing the limits of elasticity, engineers and designers can create safer and more reliable products.


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Applications of Elasticity

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