http://www.ck12.org Chapter 4. Motion and Forces
4.20 Elastic Force
- Define elasticity and elastic force.
- Give examples of the use of elastic force.
What will happen to this bungee jumper when he reaches the end of the bungee cord? He won’t come to an abrupt
stop. If he did, he might be seriously hurt. Instead, the cord will stretch while slowing his fall.
Q: What will happen next?
A: The cord will only stretch so far, and then it will snap back to its original shape, causing the jumper to bounce
back up. Bungee cords are useful for this purpose because they are elastic.
4.20 Elastic Force
Something that is elastic can return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed. This property is called
elasticity. As you stretch or compress an elastic material like a bungee cord, it resists the change in shape. It exerts
a counter force in the opposite direction. This force is calledelastic force. The farther the material is stretched or
compressed, the greater the elastic force becomes. As soon as the stretching or compressing force is released, elastic
force causes the material to spring back to its original shape. You can watch a demonstration of elastic force at this
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