what changes in the structure of an object that allows something to permanently bend (i.e folding paper)
In: Physics
Solid materials are made up of tightly packed molecules, which is the most energy efficient way to be in. If you bend something, this structure is changed to a less energy efficient form.
The molecules are moving within the material, so when you hold it long enough, they will eventually reach the energy efficient state again, but now in the new shape.
The time and force it takes to achieve this differs for each material.
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