inelastiske

Inelastiske is a Norwegian adjective used to describe phenomena that do not fully return to their original state after a force or stimulus is removed, or that do not respond proportionally to changes in driving conditions. The term is commonly applied in physics and material science as well as in economics, where it is used to describe a form of insensitivity to price changes.

In physics, an inelastic collision is one in which kinetic energy is not conserved. Some energy is transformed into internal energy, sound, or deformation, while momentum is conserved. Inelastic deformation occurs when a material is loaded beyond its elastic limit, resulting in permanent shape change rather than a complete recovery after unloading.

In material science, inelastic properties include plastic deformation, creep, and viscoelastic behavior. Metals often exhibit plasticity after yielding; polymers show time-dependent viscoelasticity; and hysteresis reflects energy loss during loading cycles. The degree of inelasticity depends on temperature, loading rate, and the material’s microstructure and history.

In economics, inelastic demand refers to a situation where the quantity demanded changes little with price. The price elasticity of demand has an absolute value less than one. Such demand is common for essential goods or when substitutes are scarce. Inelasticity can also appear in supply in the short term due to capacity limits.