A student stretches a rubber band and then releases it. The rubber band returns to its original shape. The student then stretches a metal wire beyond its elastic limit and releases it. The wire does not return to its original shape. Compare the deformation of the rubber band with the deformation of the metal wire.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
The rubber band undergoes elastic deformation – it returns to its original shape when the force is removed. The metal wire undergoes plastic deformation – it does not return to its original shape because the elastic limit has been exceeded.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘elastic’ for the rubber band and ‘plastic’ for the metal wire.
- Show the difference in behaviour after the force is removed.
- Keep the answer short – one sentence per material.
- Use the exact terminology from the mark scheme.
Common mistakes
- Confusing elastic with plastic deformation.
- Failing to mention the return to original shape for the rubber band.
- Using vague terms like ‘stretch’ instead of ‘elastic/plastic deformation’.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- The rubber band undergoes elastic deformation
- The rubber band returns to its original shape/length when the force is removed
- The metal wire undergoes plastic deformation
- The metal wire does not return to its original shape/length because the elastic limit has been exceeded
Key terms in this question
Related
- All AQA GCSE Physics (8463) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Compare" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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