Learning objectives
Describe how tensile forces stretch and compressive forces squash a sample, using load, extension, compression and the limit of proportionality correctly.
State Hooke's law and use the spring constant k = F/x, including the gradient of a force–extension graph.
Define stress, strain and the Young modulus, and describe how to measure the Young modulus of a metal wire, identifying the readings that dominate the uncertainty.
Distinguish elastic from plastic deformation and identify the elastic limit on a force–extension graph.
Use the area under a force–extension graph as the work done in stretching a sample, and calculate the elastic potential energy stored below the limit of proportionality with Ep = ½Fx = ½kx².
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