In physics, plasticity is the ability of solid materials to deform or change shape permanently without breaking when subject to external forces. Plasticity differs from elasticity, which is the ability of a solid to change shape temporarily under stress before reverting to its original form. The plasticity of a material is affected by its ductility—the ability to stretch under stress—and its malleability—the ability to be shaped without breaking. Plasticity can be observed in metalworking... więcej

Salem Press Encyclopedia of Science, 2023. 2p.