Practical - Young Modulus
Various methods can be used to find this material property - sometimes called Young's modulus.
1. The Young Modulus of Copper
This is a straight-forward way to measure the Young modulus of a material. Copper wire is often used. It is stretched by weights hung over the edge of the bench, with the small extension carefully measured with a ruler.
Wear eye protection in-case the wire snaps.
2. The Young Modulus of Nylon
This uses the same method as for copper in video 1, but uses a different material that shows much larger extensions for the same load - nylon.
3. The Young Modulus of Steel - Searle's Apparatus
This is a great way to measure the Young's modulus if you have the equipment at your school. A vertical wire is loaded, with the small extension measured to the nearest 0.1 or 0.01 mm.
Wear eye protection in-case the wire snaps.
4. Young Modulus - Results
Based on the real results measured for both copper and steel, this is how data like this could be analysed.
5. How to Measure the Diameter of Wire
An important skill to develop. You often need to know the cross sectional area of a piece of wire.
This shows a few ways that the diameter can be measured as accurately as possible.
6. Young Modulus - Teacher and Technician Guidance
A few extra notes for teachers and technicians who will be planning this practical for their classes.
Scientific equipment in these videos provided by VITTA Education.
