You are asked to find the Young modulus for a metal using a sample of wire. *(a) Describe the apparatus you would use, the measurements you would take and explain how you would use them to determine the Young modulus for the metal.

Apparatus: The wire is secured by a clamp and clamp stand A hanging mass is attached to the end of it, where the mass hung can be changed A Vernier scale or ruler may be attached to the apparatus to measure the distance the wire has extended Measurements: The initial length of the wire can be measured using a ruler (or metre rule) The wire diameter can be measured with a micrometer The mass attached can be measured using weighing scales (or by using known masses) The extension can be measured using a Vernier scale (or ruler) for a range of different masses Calculating Young’s Modulus: E= stress/strain                     So E is the gradient of a stress-strain graphStress=F/A=mg/πr2 Strain= extension/initial length            Readings for extension can therefore be taken for different masses.   The stress and strain can be calculated and plotted on a graph, and E can be measured from its gradient.

RH
Answered by Robert H. Physics tutor

8000 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A box is pulled with a rope at 26° to the horizontal and a tension of 120N. What is the work done in pulling it 5 metres?


In a particle accelerator, you accelerate an electron. Afterwards, you measure it's energy to be 350 keV. Tell my why you can't find the speed from this energy using your knowledge of classical mechanics.


What is an inertial frame of reference?


A bullet is fired horizontally from a gun at a height of 1.5m at 280m/s. Calculate the time taken for it to hit the ground. A second bullet is fired from an adjacent gun at 370m/s. Calculate the distance it travel before the first bullet hits the ground.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning