Changing shape of materials - 91�ȱ� Bitesize

How to change the shape

Materials can change shape. You could change the shape if you:

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Here's what you need to know about pushing, pulling, bending and stretching materials.

Image caption,
This ball can be squashed.
Things that are made from soft materials can often be squashed.
Image caption,
This paperclip can be bent.
This paperclip is made from metal and can be bent into different shapes.
Image caption,
This rope has been twisted.
Fabrics and balloons can easily be twisted.
Image caption,
This spring can be stretched.
Some materials such as plastic are stretched and become longer.

Materials like glass need to be heated to help them change shape. Other materials don't need to be heated, they just need .

Some materials return to the shape they were after being stretched. We call these materials elastic, like rubber bands.

Test you knowledge of materials with the activities below.

At home or in your classroom, write down a list of objects that you can see.
Note whether they can be squashed, stretched, twisted or bent.
Explain why their shape can change in this way. You may need to find out what materials they are made from.

Can you find some materials which cannot have their shape changed?