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Practical - Young Modulus

Two methods that can be used to find this material property - sometimes called Young's modulus.

  1. The Young Modulus of Copper

  2. The Young Modulus of Steel (with a Vernier Scale)

Anchor 1

1. The Young Modulus of Copper

This is a straight-forward way to measure the Young's Modulus of a material. Copper wire is often used as 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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Anchor 2

1. The Young Modulus of Steel (with a Vernier Scale)

This is a great way to measure the Young's Modulus if you have the equipment at your school. Steel wire does not extend much so the small extension is measured using a vernier scale.

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Wear eye protection in-case the wire snaps.

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