Forces and Elasticity Basics
You can't just use one force to change an object's shape - you need at least two forces working together. Think about bending a ruler: one hand pushes down whilst the other holds it steady.
Deformation simply means changing an object's shape or size by applying forces. This happens in two main ways: elastic deformation (like stretching a rubber band that snaps back) and inelastic deformation (like squashing Play-Doh that stays squashed).
When objects get longer under force, that's called extension. When they get shorter or squashed, that's compression. Hooke's Law gives us a neat formula to work with springs: Force = Spring Constant × Extension.
Quick Tip: Remember F = k × e - Force equals spring constant times extension!
