IDEERS Inelastic Deformation Experiments - 2

Make Inelastic Deformations

Hold the hook side of the hanger firmly, and push the straight section so hard that you bend it out of shape.

When you let go, you can see that the hanger is permanently deformed, and that it does not spring back completely into shape.

This is called inelastic or plastic behaviour

What's going on ?

The wire behaves a bit like plasticine. When you pull on it, it just stretches and stretches until eventually it snaps.

Some of the energy you used to push the hanger has now been used to deform the wire permanently. It has actually been converted into heat energy.

You may be able to feel that the wire became hotter where it was bent. If not try this next step.

(Animate)