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Inelastic for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: ,ɪnɪ'læstɪk

What does Inelastic really mean?

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Inelastic is a word we use to describe something that does not easily change or stretch when a force is applied to it. It is like when you try to stretch a rubber band and it doesn't stretch at all. So, when something is inelastic, it means that it doesn't react or respond much when you try to change it or apply pressure on it.

Let me give you a couple of examples to help you understand the word even better. Imagine you have a toy car made of solid metal. If you try to press or squeeze it, it won't change its shape or compress easily. That would be an example of something inelastic because it doesn't easily move or change when a force is applied to it.

Now, let's think about something on the opposite end of the spectrum, like a squishy stress ball. When you squeeze it with your hand, the ball easily deforms and changes its shape. This means it is elastic because it stretches and then returns to its original shape when you release the force. So, we can say that the stress ball is elastic because it changes when you apply pressure to it.

So, to sum it up, inelastic means something that doesn't easily change or respond when a force is applied to it. It is like trying to stretch a rubber band that doesn't stretch at all. It can be compared to something that is rigid and doesn't easily move or adapt to external forces. Remember, just like the solid metal toy car, it remains unchanged and unaffected by the pressure we put on it.

Revised and Fact checked by Michael Miller on 2023-10-29 03:22:26

Inelastic In a sentece

Learn how to use Inelastic inside a sentece

  • If you drop a rubber ball on the ground, it bounces back. This is an example of elasticity. However, if you drop a stone on the ground, it doesn't bounce back like the rubber ball. The stone is inelastic.
  • When you push on a wall, it doesn't move or deform. Walls are considered inelastic objects because they don't easily change their shape when force is applied to them.
  • If you try to stretch a piece of play dough, it easily changes its shape and stretches. Play dough is elastic. On the other hand, if you try to stretch a piece of dry clay, it doesn't easily change its shape. Dry clay is inelastic.
  • If you squeeze a water balloon, it changes shape easily because it is elastic. However, if you squeeze a solid rubber ball, it doesn't deform much. Solid rubber balls are inelastic.
  • If you tug on a rubber band, it elongates and stretches. Rubber bands are elastic. However, if you tug on a metal chain, it doesn't stretch much. Metal chains are inelastic.

Inelastic Antonyms

Words that have the opposite context of the original word.

Inelastic Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.