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.
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Wear eye protection in-case the wire snaps.
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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.
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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.
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Wear eye protection in-case the wire snaps.
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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.​
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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.
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Scientific equipment in these videos provided by VITTA Education.
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