Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Stress and strain

Stress and strain — practice question

A wire of length $L$ and cross-sectional area $A$ is formed from a metal with Young modulus $E$ and resistivity $\rho$.
(a)[1]

Define the Young modulus of a material.

(b(i))[1]

State an expression, using some or all of $L$, $A$, $E$ and $\rho$, for the resistance $R_0$ of the wire.

(b(ii))[2]

Show that the spring constant $k_0$ of the wire is given by $k_0 = \dfrac{EA}{L}$.

(c(i))[1]

The wire is stretched, within the limit of proportionality, by a tensile force $F$. Assume that any changes in the cross-sectional area of the wire are negligible. On Fig. 3.1, sketch the variation with $F$ of the resistance $R$ of the wire.

(c(ii))[1]

On Fig. 3.2, sketch the variation with $F$ of the spring constant $k$ of the wire.

(d(i))[1]

Copper has a resistivity of $1.8 \times 10^{-8}\,\Omega\,\text{m}$ and a Young modulus of $1.3 \times 10^{11}\,\text{Pa}$. A copper wire of diameter $1.6\,\text{mm}$ has a resistance of $0.034\,\Omega$. Show that the length of the wire is $3.8\,\text{m}$.

(d(ii))[2]

Use the equation in (b)(ii) to determine the spring constant of the wire.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: the ratio found by dividing stress by strain

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