Difference between Stiffness and Flexibility

This lecture explains the main difference between Stiffness and Flexibility.
Stiffness and flexibility are two opposing properties of materials that describe how they respond to applied forces.

Stiffness refers to the resistance of a material to deformation under an applied force. A stiff material requires a large force to deform it and it tends to return to its original shape once the force is removed. Examples of stiff materials include steel, concrete, and some types of plastics.

Flexibility, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a material to deform under an applied force. A flexible material requires a relatively small force to deform it and it may not return to its original shape once the force is removed. Examples of flexible materials include rubber, some types of plastics, and some fabrics.

In general, stiffness and flexibility are inversely related: materials that are more stiff tend to be less flexible, and materials that are more flexible tend to be less stiff. However, it's worth noting that the relationship between stiffness and flexibility can be complex, and there are some materials that exhibit both stiffness and flexibility to varying degrees under different conditions.

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Stiffness and Flexibility
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