Question

Do objects always bend (or deform) during a collision? How do you know?

a. Yes, because forces always cause deformation
b. No, it depends on the objects and forces involved
c. No, because forces never cause deformation
d. Yes, because collisions always result in deformation

Answer 1

No, objects do not always bend or deform during a collision. It depends on the objects and forces involved. Deformation is the change in shape due to force, and even small forces can cause some deformation. The object's ability to return to its original shape when the force is removed is an indication of elastic deformation.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, it depends on the objects and forces involved. Deformation is the change in shape due to the application of force. Even very small forces are known to cause some deformation. For small deformations, the object returns to its original shape when the force is removed, indicating elastic deformation. The size of the deformation is proportional to the force, obeying Hooke's law. One example of a collision where objects do not necessarily deform is a billiard ball colliding with another billiard ball.