What is the Difference Between Plasticity and elasticity?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between elasticity and plasticity lies in the extent to which a material can regain its original shape after being deformed:
- Elasticity refers to the property of a solid material that allows it to regain its original shape and size after the removal of an applied force. When a material is elastically deformed, it undergoes reversible and non-permanent deformation, meaning it goes back to its original form once the force is removed. Examples of elastic materials include springs, rubber bands, and some metals like steel and copper.
- Plasticity refers to the property of a solid material that allows it to maintain its deformed shape even after the removal of an applied force. When a material undergoes plastic deformation, it does not return to its original shape and size, and the deformation is irreversible. Plasticity is often observed in materials like glass and ceramics, which break rather than bend.
In summary, elastic materials can regain their original shape after being deformed, while plastic materials retain their deformed shape even after the force causing the deformation is removed.
Comparative Table: Plasticity vs elasticity
The main difference between plasticity and elasticity lies in the way a material reacts to an applied force. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two properties:
| Property | Elasticity | Plasticity |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Elasticity is the property of a solid material that allows it to restore its shape after an external load is removed. | Plasticity is the property of a solid substance that allows it to keep its deformed shape even when the external force is removed. |
| Deformation | Elastic deformation is reversible and non-permanent, meaning the material returns to its original shape and size when the force is removed. | Plastic deformation is irreversible, meaning the material does not return to its original shape and size when the force is removed. |
| Hooke's Law | Hooke's Law of elasticity is applicable within the elastic region, meaning the stress is proportional to the strain. | Hooke's Law of elasticity is not applicable within the plastic region. |
| Stress-Strain Curve | The stress-strain curve is linear in the elastic region. | The stress-strain curve is non-linear in the plastic region. |
| Engineering Significance | The knowledge of elastic properties of materials like steel and concrete is essential in engineering design, e.g., for buildings, bridges, and automobiles. | Plastic behavior of materials is important in manufacturing processes like molding, forging, and casting. |
In summary, elasticity refers to the reversible deformation of a material, while plasticity refers to the irreversible deformation of a material. Elastic materials return to their original shape and size when the force is removed, whereas plastic materials do not.
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