Because ##F = ma##.tomR said:
Typical space junk is moving roughly ten times the velocity of a high velocity rifle bullet. That's a high rate process. The whole impact happens so fast that only the material in the immediate vicinity of the impact is affected. Space junk impact is finished punching a hole (or crater) before the material away from the impact is affected by the impact force.Frabjous said:
Deforming an object means changing its shape or size due to an applied force. This can be temporary or permanent, depending on the material and the magnitude of the force.
Yes, a single force can deform an object. For example, compressing a spring or stretching a rubber band involves a single force applied to the object.
People often think of two forces because many deformations involve opposing forces, such as squeezing an object between two hands. However, a single force can also cause deformation, as seen in bending or stretching scenarios.
Materials that are elastic or ductile, such as rubber, metals, and certain plastics, are more likely to deform with a single force. These materials can stretch, compress, or bend relatively easily.
Elastic deformation is temporary and reversible; the object returns to its original shape when the force is removed. Plastic deformation is permanent; the object does not return to its original shape even after the force is removed.