Final answer:
To temporarily deform an object, apply a small force and it will return to its original shape due to elastic deformation. Permanently deforming an object requires a large force that causes plastic deformation, and the object will not regain its original form. (option a)
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how much force you need to push on an object to cause deformation, it is important to understand the concepts of stress and strain. Temporary deformation occurs when a small amount of force is applied to an object. This force causes an elastic deformation where the object returns to its original shape once the force is removed, obeying Hooke's law. On the other hand, permanent deformation requires a large force that exceeds the material's yield strength, leading to plastic deformation where the object does not regain its original shape.
The correct answer to the question 'How much do you have to push on an object to get it to deform (temporarily vs. permanently)?' is: a. Temporarily deform: Apply a small force; Permanently deform: Apply a large force. This is because temporary elastic deformations are generally proportional to the force applied as per Hooke's law (F = KAL), which breaks down once the force is large enough to cause permanent, or plastic, deformation.
Hence, the answer is option a