2.12.1 Elasticity

Elasticity is the ability of a sub-stance to recover its original shape and size after distortion.

Forces Between Atoms

The intermolecular forces consist of an attractive force and a repulsive force.

  • At the equilibrium distance d, the attractive force equal to the repulsive force.
  • If the 2 atoms are brought closer, the repulsive force will dominate, produces a net repulsive force between the atoms.
  • If the 2 atoms are brought furhter, the attractive force will dominate, produces a net attractive force between the atoms.

Graph of Forces Between 2 atoms


x0 = Equilibrium Distance

When the particles are compressed, x < x0, the attractive force between the particles increases.

If the distance x exceeds the elastic limit, the attractive force will decreases.