Deformation of solids

About this lab: Deformation of solids

Interactive simulation for Cambridge AS Level Physics 9702 topic 6 Deformation of solids: a loaded spring obeying F = kx up to the limit of proportionality with springs combined in series and parallel, a wire under load with stress F/A, strain x/L and the Young modulus as the gradient of the linear part of the stress-strain graph for steel, copper, glass and rubber showing ductile, brittle and polymer behaviour, and the elastic potential energy ½Fx = ½kx² as the shaded area under the force-extension line.

Hooke's law with springs in series and parallel, stress, strain and the Young modulus for steel, copper, glass and rubber, and the energy stored as the area under the force-extension graph

Deformation of solids is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 (topic 6 Deformation of solids). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 2 (AS structured), Paper 3 (advanced practical), Paper 4 (A Level structured) and Paper 5 (planning, analysis and evaluation). There are 3 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

• 6.1 Stress and strain: Tensile and compressive deformation; Load, extension, compression, limit of proportionality; Hooke's Law and spring constant: k = F ÷ x; Stress, strain, and the Young modulus; Experiment: Young modulus of a metal wire. Lessons: Stress, strain and the Young modulus.
• 6.2 Elastic and plastic behaviour: Elastic deformation, plastic deformation, elastic limit; Area under force-extension graph = work done; Elastic PE: Ep = ½Fx = ½kx². Lessons: Elastic potential energy.

Full syllabus map: AS Level Physics 9702 topic 6.

How to use this simulation

1. 1. Hooke's law and springs.
2. 2. Stress, strain and Young modulus.
3. 3. Elastic potential energy.
4. The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

All simulation labs · AS Level Physics 9702 · TheLucidSTEM home