What is Elasticity, and Elastic Limit?

          In this article we are going to learn about, what is elasticity, and what is elastic limit. These terms keeps a vital role in the study of subject strength of materials. Understanding about Stress and Strain is feasible when one must have the knowledge of these terms. Let's discuss about them one by one below.

What is Elasticity?

          When an external force is applied on a body the body tends to undergo some deformation. If the body returns back to its original shape and size (which means the deformation disappears completely) on the removal of the load, the body is known as Elastic Body. The property by virtue of which any material regains its original shape and size when load acting on it is completely removed is called Elasticity.

Elasticity: The property of a material by virtue of which it returns back to its original position (i.e., shape and size) after the removal of external force or load, is called Elasticity.

What is Elastic limit?

          A body will regain its previous shape and size only when the deformation caused by the external force, is within a certain limit. Thus there is a limiting value of force up to and within which, the deformation caused completely disappears on the removal of the external force. The value of stress corresponding to this limiting force is known as the elastic limit of the material. Elastomers like Rubber have the highest Elastic limit. The behavior can be explained by Hook's Law.

Elastic Limit: It is defined as the value of stress up to and within which the material regains its original position (i.e., shape and size) on the removal of external force.

          If the value of external force is so large that the stress exceeds the elastic limit, then the body will not completely regains its original position. The body loses its property of elasticity to some extent. And if the external force acting on the body is removed, in this condition the body will not return to its original shape and size and there will be  residual deformation within the material. 

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