Elasticity

Elasticity

Elasticity is the ability of a sub-stance to recover its original shape and size after distortion.

Forces Between Atoms
The intermolecular forces consist of an attractive force and a repulsive force.

• At the equilibrium distance d, the attractive force equal to the repulsive force.
• If the 2 atoms are brought closer, the repulsive force will dominate, produces a net repulsive force between the atoms.
• If the 2 atoms are brought furhter, the attractive force will dominate, produces a net attractive force between the atoms.

Graph of Forces Between 2 atoms

x₀ = Equilibrium Distance

When the particles are compressed, x < x₀, the attractive force between the particles increases.

If the distance x exceeds the elastic limit, the attractive force will decreases.

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Interactive Animation