# A rubber exercise band is stretched by a person during a workout. At first, the band stretches easily and returns to its original length when released. The person then pulls the band much harder until it no longer returns to its original shape. Explain what happens to the band during both stages of stretching.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 15.1 Forces and matter (Phys only) · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In the first stage, the band undergoes elastic distortion / elastic deformation
2. In the first stage, the band returns to its original shape / length because the force is below the elastic limit
3. In the second stage, the elastic limit has been exceeded / the force applied goes beyond the elastic limit
4. In the second stage, the band undergoes plastic distortion / plastic deformation, so it does not return to its original shape when the deforming force is removed

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