what changes in the structure of an object that allows something to permanently bend (i.e folding paper)
In: Physics
The answer differs depending on the material but u/Zemedelphos and u/hickeycurran mostly cover it from two different views. u/Zemedelphos is incorrect in the last 2 paragraphs. u/hickeycurran is simplifying things to a single isometric material.
For elastic materials there is a difference between elastic deformation (temporary) and plastic deformation (permanent). This model is often applied to all materials in structural design as a simplifying assumption.
Folding paper is plastic deformation. Bending paper without creasing would be elastic deformation.
Edit: “wrong” is the wrong word. u/Zemedelphos is technically correct, but the last 2 paragraphs are more misleading than helpful for a basic understanding.
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