An example of stiffness is the difference in how easily loose, wet clay and aluminum change shape when force is applied; wet clay is low stiffness and easily deformed, while aluminum is significantly stiffer and resists deformation.
Stiffness refers to a material or object's resistance to deformation under an applied force. A stiff object requires a significant force to change its shape, while a less stiff object deforms more easily under the same force. Here's a breakdown:
- High Stiffness: Materials like steel, diamond, and aluminum exhibit high stiffness. These materials require substantial force to bend, stretch, or compress.
- Low Stiffness: Materials like rubber, wet clay, and some plastics have low stiffness. They readily deform under relatively small forces.
Consider these examples illustrating the concept of stiffness:
- A steel I-beam used in construction has high stiffness to support heavy loads without bending excessively.
- A rubber band has low stiffness and can be easily stretched.
- A wooden ruler is stiffer than a piece of paper but less stiff than a metal ruler.
The stiffness of an object is determined by both the material it's made of and its shape. For instance, a thin sheet of steel is less stiff than a thick steel beam, even though they are made of the same material.
