Elasticity of solids

Let us study about elasticity of solids,
Elasticity is the ability of a solid to return to its initial shape after having an outside force applied to it and then removed. An object with a high level of elasticity is able to have its shape changed a great deal, while still being able to return to its original form. Solids with little or no elasticity either become permanently deformed or break when a force is applied to them. The term elasticity can also be used to describe the ability of processes or systems to stretch or be flexible.

Due to the molecular make up of solids, liquids, and gases, they all react differently to outside stresses. The molecules that make up a solid are very close together and are found in a precise arrangement. This means that there is little room for give when a force is applied to a solid. The molecules of liquids and gases are spread further apart, and move more freely than those of solids. When a force is applied to liquids and gases, they can either flow away from or around the force, or be compressed a great deal, unlike most solids.

There are three different classes of force, or stresses, that can affect solid objects. The first is tension, also called stretching, which occurs when equal but opposite forces are applied to either end of the object. Compression is the second type of stress, which occurs when an object is put under pressure, or the force pushing on the solid is at 90 degrees to its surface. Imagine crushing an empty paper towel roll between your hands with your hands at either end. The final type of stress is shear, which happens when the force is parallel to the surface of the object.
Hope the above explanation helped you, now let us study about states of matter.