Difference between Elasticity and Plasticity

Introduction

According to the law of Laymans, some substances return to their original form after being stretched. We have also done the experiment by using a slingshot. Slingshot is a substance that is elastic in nature. After that, two ideas about the substance have discovered. These two ideas are elasticity and plasticity. 

Elasticity is the property by which the substance returns back to its original form after being stretched. But in the case of plastic, when we remove the deforming force from the plastic body, then the plastic cannot return back to its original form. This property of plastic is known as plasticity. We can also say that plasticity is the property by virtue of which the plastic loses its elasticity and adopt a fixed shape after removing the deforming force. Now let’s know what deformation is.

What is Deformation?

The process involved in deforming a substance is known as deformation. When there is a force applied to a substance, then the substance is either compressed or stretched depending upon the pressure applied to it. The force applied to a particular unit area is known as stress. After stretching or compressing the substance, it shows the stress reaction. This reaction is known as strain. Every substance shows different stress according to its nature. These two properties of a substance are based on the chemical bond present in the substance. 

What is Elasticity?

Elasticity is the property by which the substance returns back to its original form after being stretched. It is a phenomenon of a substance depending on the pressure applied to that substance. When the external force is used on the substance, then the deforming force is applied to the substance. This force is also called elasticity deformation. The term “elasticity” also describes all the elasticity deformation. We also say that elasticity is the feature of some substances that are able to return back to their original form after being stretched. The elasticity is mainly depends upon the chemical bond available in the reaction. Electricity is not permanent in nature, and the elasticity force is reversible in nature. Elasticity of a substance has the power that it can bend up to maximum stress without breaking. When we apply pressure on a substance, then the bond present inside the substance may get expand or be compressed. But the elasticity features a substantial decrease over time to time. After the elasticity decreases then, the substance becomes brittle and loses its ductility. 

What is Plasticity?

When we remove the deforming force from the plastic body, the plastic body cannot return back to its original form. This property of plastic is known as plasticity. It is the ability to change the shape of the substance by sustaining the force. This type of force is known as sustained force. It is possible by applying a large amount of force to the substance. It is permanent and irreversible in nature. We can also say that it is the ability to give the permanent shape of the substance. The deformation of plastic is possible after we break the chemical bond available in the substance. After the breaking of the chemical bond, the location of the molecule changes then the substance becomes motionless. That’s why it takes a fixed position. If we apply the force beyond the elastic limit, then we can bend the substance. 

Difference between Elasticity and Plasticity

Elasticity	Plasticity
Elasticity is the property by which the substance returns back to its original form after being stretched.	When we remove the deforming force from the plastic body, then the plastic cannot return back to its original form. This property of plastic is known as plasticity.
By applying a small amount of force, we can bend the substance.	By applying a huge amount of force, we can bend the substance.
Hooke’s law of elasticity is applicable here.	Hooke’s law of elasticity is not applicable here.
For elastic deformation, all the properties of a solid remain the same.	For plastic deformation, all the properties of solid remain change.
It is reversible in nature.	It is irreversible in nature.
Elasticity is used in the construction of Machine tool structures, Bridges, other civil frames, many household structures that should retain their shape, etc.	Plasticity is used in various operations like rolling, forging, extrusion, sheet metal working, Rivet joining, etc.