Question

Give two examples of situations in which applied force causes a change in the shape of an object.

Answer 1

We know force is a form of push or pull. When a force is acted on a body it may compress, stretch or bend. We can think of some real-life situations where we observe this.

Complete step by step answer
When a force is applied it tends to change the state and shape of an object. This force can elongate, compress or bend the object. The change in shape depends upon the magnitude of applied force.
Examples to show that applied forces can change shape of an object-
1. When we squeeze a plastic bottle or a toothpaste tube, the applied force causes the bottle to crush and the toothpaste to come out of the tube.
2. When we apply force to an inflated balloon, it gets pressed to an extent. If we apply more force, then it results in balloon bursting

Additional information
The process of shape change is called ‘distortion’. Distortion is generally of two types-
Elastic distortion- in this case when the applied force is removed, the shape change gets reversed. For example, when a rubber band is stretched its shape changes but on the removal of applied force it regains its original shape.
Inelastic distortion- when the applied force is removed, the change in shape of the body is not completely reversed. This causes a permanent change in shape. For example, squashing of bottles.

Note
As we know that applied force can bend, stretch or compress an object, this combination of results in shape change. But generally, the change in shape is a result of many forces which are acting on a body to do so.