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ELASTICITY
 QUIZRR 3

ELASTICITY

1. ELASTICITY AND DEFORMING FORCES

External forces acting on a body, bring about a change in its state or configuration. The latter
is possible when the body is not free to move, but the molecules are compelled to change their
positions. Such forces are called deforming forces. These forces bring about a change in the
length, volume or shape. What happens to the body when these forces are removed? Obviously
one expects the body to regain its shape. How does one account for this?
On applying the forces, the interatomic distance becomes more than r0 thus increasing their
potential energy (leading to instability). On removing the forces, the system tends to regain a
minimum P.E. and as a result, attractive forces develop, restoring them to their original shape.
The same applies when a body is subjected to a compressional force, where repulsive forces
develop and restore the system to equilibrium.

I llu st r a t ion

When one tries to stretch a spring

Ć The force acting on the spring (F1) is the deforming force

Ć The force exerted by the spring to oppose the deforming action is the restoring force (F2)

Ć By NewtonÊs third Law, we can say that F1 & F2 are equal and opposite forces; tuns forming
an Action-Reaction pair.

2. ELASTICITY
The property of a body due to which it opposes the action of the deforming forces is called as
Elasticity.

Ć A material is said to be elastic if it returns back to its original shape or size, when the
deforming forces are removed. Plastic materials on the other hand, remain permanently
distorted when the deforming forces are removed.

Ć There are a number of elastic modulii (youngÊs modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus) that
measure the response of an elastic solid which is acted upon by the deforming forces.

Ć The deforming force is measured (described) in terms of a physical quantity, the stress, that
it develops in the body. The deformation of the solid is described in terms of a physical
quantity the strain, that is created in the body as a result of deformation force.

3. STRESS AND STRAIN

3 . 1 St r ess

When an external force is applied to a body then at each cross section of the body an internal
restoring force is developed which tends to restore the body to its original state. The internal

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restoring force per unit area of cross section of the deformed body is called stress. It is usually
denoted by  (sigma).

Restoring force
Thus, Stress () =
Area
Depending upon the way the deforming forces are applied to a body, there are three types of
stress : longitudinal stress, shearing stress and volume stress.

L ongit ud inal and Shear ing St r ess

The body of figure is in static equilibrium under an arbitrary set of external forces. In Fig. (b),
we see the same body with an imaginary sectional cut at CC´. Since each of the two individual
parts of the body is also in static equilibrium, both internal forces and internal torques are
developed at the cross section. Those on the right portion are due to the left portion and vice-

F1 F1 C C
C F2 F F2
Ft

F3 Fn F3
ăFn


F4 ăFt F4
F5 F5 ăF
C´ C´ C´
(a) (b) (c)


versa. On the left portion, the normal and tangential components of the internal forces are Fn

and Ft respectively, and the net internal torque is  . From NewtonÊs third law, the right portion
 
is subjected at this same cross section to force components ă Fn and ă Ft and the torque ă  . We
define the normal stress or longitudinal stress over the area as,

Fn
n 
A

and the tangential stress or shearing stress over the area as,

Ft
t 
A

Here, A is the cross-section area of the body at CC´. The longitudinal stress can be two types. The
two parts of the body on two sides of a cross section may pull each other. The longitudinal stress
is then called the tensile stress. This is the case when a rod or a wire is stretched by equal and

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opposite forces. In case of tensile stress in a wire or a rod, the force Fn is just the tension.
 
ăF F

  

ăF Fn ăFn F
 
Fn = F

If the rod is pushed at the two ends with equal and opposite forces, it will be under compression.
Taking any cross-section of the rod the two parts on the two sides push each other. The longitudinal
stress in this case is called the compressive stress.
 
F ăF
 
 
ăFn Fn ăF
F
 
Fn = F
Volume St r ess

When a body is acted upon by forces in such a manner that,

(i) the force at any point is normal to the surface.
(ii) the magnitude of the force on any small area is proportional to
the area.
The force per unit area is then called the volume stress, i.e.,

F
v 
A

which is same as the pressure. This is the case when a body is immersed in a liquid.

3 . 2 S t r a in
Consider a body of square cross section ABCD. Four forces of equal magnitude F are applied as
shown in figure. Net resultant force and net torque is zero. Hence, the body is in translational
as well as rotational equilibrium. Because of the forces the shape of the cross section changes from
a square to a parallelogram.
x
F
A B A A´ B B´

F F
x

D C
F D C
A´
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We define the shearing strain as the displacement of a layer divided by its distance from the fixed
layer. Thus, shearing strain
x

x

T yp es of st r ain

change in length (l)

1. longitudinal strain =
Original length l

displacement of a surface
l under a tangential force
2. Shearing strain    
l perpendicular distance of the
displaced surface from the
fixed surface

change in volume ( v)
3. volumetric strain  
original volume v

I llust r at ion 1

A cube is subjected to pressure of 5 ï 105 N/m2. Each edge of the cube is shortened by 1%.
Solution :
Volume stress = P = 5 ï 105 N/m2
volume strain = ?
Let ÂlÊ be the length of cube (undeformed)

99
distorted length = l
100

V = Vf ă Vi

3
 99 
V =  l ă l3
 100 

3
V  99 
volume strain =   1
Vi  100 

 0.03

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Shear St r ess & Shear St r ain

If the deforming force tries to change the shape of a body, a shear stress is developed in the body.
In the diagram, we see a force F parallel to the surface ABCD of area A, deforms the rectangular
area ABPQ into a parallelogram. D C

A B
[Let AA´ = Dx & AQ = y]
Hence due to F, the shape of the body is altered.

shearing force
shear stress = Q
cross section of ABCD P

F
=
A
A x B
shear strain is defined as : B´

x Y
shear strain =  tan    ( is very small)
y

Q P

I llust r at ion 2

A block of weight 15 N slides across a horizontal table, the coefficient of sliding friction =
0.4. The area of the block in contact with table is 0.05 m2.
Shear stress = ømg/A
motion
0.4  15
=
0.05
= 120 N/m2 ømg

4. HOOKE’S LAW
If the deforming forces are within a limit (known as elastic limit), the stress created in the body
is proportional to the resulting strain.
i.e. stress  strain.

stress
The ratio is known as modulus of Elasticity.
strain
According to various types of stresses, we have three modulii of elasticity.

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( a ) Young’s M od ulus Y

If a body is deformed by applying forces along one dimension only, then within limits of
proportionality, the ratio of linear stress either compressive or tensile to the longitudinal strain
is called the YoungÊs modulus of the material of the body and is represented by the letter Y,

Linear stress F
i.e., Y = A
Longitudinal strain

Thus, if a rod or wire of length L and cross-sectional area A under the action of a
stretching force F applied normally to its face suffers a change L in its length, then L
in equilibrium :

F F L
Tensile stress = 
area A
F
Change in length L
and Longitudinal strain = 
Original length L

Tensile stress
 Y =
Longitudinal strain

F/A FL
=  ...(2)
L/L A L

(b ) Bulk M od ulus 

When a solid or fluid (liquid or gas) is subjected to change in F

pressure its volume changes, but the shape remains unchanged.
The force per unit area, applied normally and uniformly to the A
surfaces of the body, i.e., pressure, gives the stress and the change
in volume per unit volume strain. Now within the limits of F F
proportionality, the ratio of uniform and normal stress on the
surface of a body to the volume strain is called bulk modulus of F
the material of the body and is denoted by the letter , i.e.,
F
Volume stress

Volume strain
Thus, if the volume V of a body diminishes by an amount V when the pressure on its surface
is increased uniformly by p, then in equilibrium
Volume stress = p

V
Volume strain =
V

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p p
  = V
 V/V V

The negative sign shows that with increase in pressure by p, the volume decreases by V, i.e.,
if p is +ive V is ăive. By including minus sign in its definition, the bulk modulus itself is a
positive quantity. The reciprocal of bulk modulus is called compressibility, i.e.,

1 1  V 
Compressibility =   
 V  p 

All the states of matter possess volume elasticity. Bulk modulus of gases is very low while that
of liquids and solids is very high.

(c) M od ulus of R igid it y  

Within limits of proportionality, the ratio of tangential stress to the shearing strain is called
modulus of rigidity of the material of the body and is denoted by , i.e.,

Shearing stress

Shearing strain

In this case the shape of a body changes but its volume remains unchanged.

A x A´ C C´
F

L  

F
B D

Consider a cube of material fixed at its lower face and acted upon by a tangential force F at its
upper surface having area A. The shearing stress, then, will be

F|| F
Shearing stress = 
A A
This shearing force causes the consecutive horizontal layers of the cube to be slightly displaced
or sheared relative to one another : each line such as AB or CD in the cube is rotated through
an angle by this shear. The shearing strain is defined as the angle in radians through which
a line normal to a fixed surface has turned. For small values of angle,

AA´ x
Shearing strain =  = 
AB L

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shear stress F/A F

so   
shear strain  A

Only solids can exhibit a shearing as these have definite shape.

Note : Poisson discovered that within limits of proportionality the ratio of the lateral
strain to longitudinal strain is constant for a given material. This constant in his honour
is called PoissonÊs ratio and is represented by . It has no units and dimensions. It has
been established that theoretically ă 1 <  < (1/2) while practically no substance has
been found for which  is negative, i.e., practically 0 <  < (1/2).

Regarding moduli of elasticity (Y,  and ) it is worthy to note that :

(1) The value of moduli of elasticity is independent of the magnitude of the stress and strain.
It depends only on the nature of the material of the body.
(2) For a given material there can be different moduli of elasticity depending on the type of
stress applied and the strain resulting.
(3) The moduli of elasticity has same dimensional formula and units as that of stress since strain
is dimensionless, i.e., the dimensional formula for Y, B or is ]MLă1 Tă2] while units dyne/
cm2 or newton/m2.
(4) Greater the value of moduli of elasticity, more elastic is the material. But as Y  (1/L),
B  (1/V) and (1/) for a constant stress, so smaller change of shape or size for a given
stress corresponds to greater elasticity.
(5) The moduli of elasticity Y and exist only for solids as liquids and gases cannot be deformed
along one dimension only and also cannot sustain shear strain. However,  exists for all
states of matter, viz., solid, liquid or gas.
(6) Gases being most compressible are least elastic while solids are most, i.e., the bulk modulus
of gases is very low while that for liquids and solids is very high, i.e.,
Esolid > Eliquid > Egas

 (Modulus of Rigidity)

Tangential stress F/a F L F

=    
shearing strain L a L .A
L

Note : Relation between Y, K and .

3 1 1
 
Y  3K

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St r ess-St r ain C ur ve

Elastic limit
Proportional or D
limit yield point
E
Fracture point
C
P
A Plastic behaviour
Stress
Elastic behaviour

Permanent set

0 O´ Strain 30%

AO = Elastic Range
P = Yield point
OD = Breaking stress or tensile stress
E = Breaking point
OO1 = Permanent set

When the stress-strain relationship in a wire is studied, one finds that stress is directly proportional
to the strain upto the point A (see the graph). The point ÂAÊ is called the Limit of proportionality
and AO is called the elastic range. The HookeÊs law is valid up till A. Beyond A, if the stress is
removed, graph between stress and strain does not follow AO. OO´ represents the permanent set.
Notice that beyond ÂAÊ, the stress-strain graph is a curve and that for a small stress, large strain
is produced in the material. The material beyond A and upto ÂPÊ is partly plastic in behaviour.
Beyond ÂPÊ the behaviour of the wire is very erratic. There is a large increase in the strain but
a very small change in the stress.

At this stage, the wire flows down upto the point C. The point ÂPÊ, when the wire yields to the
applied stress and begins to flow, is called the yield point. The region PD is called the plastic
region. Materials used to make sheets or wires must have a longer plastic region and must be
ductile.

Beyond C, the graph has a hump at D. Even if the wire is loaded by a little amount, the wire
becomes thin at weak portions of the wire and tends to break at E. The stress corresponding to
the breaking point is called the breaking stress. Britile substances generally have a small plastic
region and the breaking stress lies closer to the elastic limit.

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Point s t o R ememb er

1. Modulus of elasticity E (whether it is Y, B or ) is given by

stress
E=
strain
Following conclusions can be made from the above expression :
(i) E  stress (for same strain), i.e., if we want the equal amount of strain in two different
materials, the one which needs more stress is having more E.

1
(ii) E (for same stress), i.e., if the same amount of stress is applied on two different
strain
materials, the one having the less strain is having more E. Rather we can say that, the one
which offers more resistance to the external forces is having greater value of E. So, we can
see that modulus of elasticity of steel is more than that of rubber or
E steel > Erubber

 x 
(iii) E = stress for unit strain   1 or x  x  , i.e., suppose the length of a wire is 2 metre,
 x 

then the YoungÊs modulus of elasticity (Y) is the stress applied on the wire to stretch the wire
by the same amount of 2 metre.
2. The material which has smaller value of Y is more ductile, i.e., it offers less resistance in
framing it into a wire. Similarly the material having the smaller value of B is more malleable.
Thus, for making wire we choose a material having less value of Y.
3. A solid will have all the three modulii of elasticity Y, B nd . But in case of a liquid or a
gas only B can be defined as a liquid or a gas can not be framed into a wire or no shear
force can be applied on them.
4. For a liquid or a gas,

  dP 
= 
 dV / V 

So instead of P we are more interested in change in pressure dP.

5. In case of a gas,
 = XP
x
in the process PV = constant
For example, for x = 1, or PV = constant (isothermal process) B = P. i.e., isothermal bulk
modulus of a gas (denoted by T) is equal to the pressure of the gas at that instant of time
or T = P

CP
Similarly, for x   or PV = constant (adiabatic process) B = P.
CV

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i.e., adiabatic bulk modulus of a gas (denoted by s) is equal to  times the pressure of the
gas at that instant of time or s = P
6. For a gas   P
whether it is an isothermal process or an adiabatic process. Physically this can be understood
as under :

A B

P1 P2

Suppose we have two containers A and B. Some gas is filled in both the containers. But the
pressure in A is more than the pressure in B, i.e.,
P1 > P2
So, bulk modulus of A should be more than the bulk modulus of , or 1 > 2
and this is quiet obvious, because it is more difficult to compress the gas in chamber A, i.e.,
it provides more resistance to the external forces. And as we have said in point number 1
(ii) the modulus of elasticity is greater for a substance which offers more resistance to
external forces.
7. If a spring is stretched or compressed by an amount l, the restoring force produced in it
is,
Fs = K l ...(i)
Here, K = force constant of spring
Similarly, if a wire is stretched by an amount l, the restoring force produced in it is,
 YA 
F  l ...(ii)
 l 
Comparing Eqs. (i) and (ii), we can see that force constant of a wire is,
YA
K= ...(iii)
l
YA
i.e., a wire is just like a spring of force constant . So all formulae which we use in case
l
of a spring can be applied to a wire also.
From Eq. (iii), we may also conclude that force
constant of a spring is inversely proportional to the l , 2k l , 2k
2 2
length of the spring l or, K  1 l, k
l
i.e., if a spring is cut into two equal pieces its force
constant is doubled.

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8. When a pressure (dP) is applied on a substance its density is changed. The change in
density can be calculated as under :

mass
 ( = density)
volume

1
or  (mass = constant)
V

´ V V
 
 V´ V + dV

 V 
or ´    
 V + dP 

 V  dP
=    as B =
 V   dP / B V  dV / V


´ =
dP
1
B

From this expression we can see that ´ increases as pressure is increased (dP is positive) and vice-
versa.

E xamp le 1 A

A bar of mass m and length l is hanging from point A as shown in figure. Find the
increase in its length due to its own weight. The YoungÊs modulus of elasticity of
the wire is Y and area of cross section of the wire is A.

B
Solution :
Consider a small section dx of the bar at a distance x from B. The weight of the bar for a length
x is,

 mg  A
W = x
 l 

Elongation in section dx will be

dx
 W   mg 
dl    dx    x dx x
 AY   l AY 
B

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Total elongation in the bar can be obtained by integrating this expression for x = 0 to x = l.

xl  mg  l
 l  x  0 dl   
 lAY 
0 x dx

mgl
or l  Ans.
2AY

E xamp le 2

A brass bar, having cross sectional area 10 cm2 is A B C D

5t 3t 1t 1t
subjected to axial forces as shown in figure. Find
the total elongation of the bar. Take Y = 8 ï 102 60 cm 100 cm 120 cm
2
t/cm .
Solution :
Given, A = 10 cm2, Y = 8 ï 102 t/cm2
Let, l = total elongation of the bar. For the sake of simplicity the force of 3t acting at B may be
split into two forces of 5t and 2t as shown in figure. Similarly, the force of 1t acting at C may
be split into two forces of 2t and 1t.

A B B C C D
5t 5t 2t 2t 1t 1t

1
Using the equation l  F1 l1  F2 l2  F3 l3  with usual notations
AY

1
 l = [5  60  2  100  1  120]
10  8 102

= 0.0775 cm Ans.

THERMAL STRESSES AND STRAINS

Whenever there is some increase or decrease in the temperature of the body, it causes the body
to expand or contract. If the body is allowed to expand or contract freely, with the rise or fall of
the temperature, no stresses are induced in the body. But if the deformation of the body is
prevented, some stresses are induced in the body. Such stresses are called thermal stresses or
temperature stresses. The corresponding strains are called thermal strains or temperature strains.
Consider a rod AB fixed at two supports as shown in figure.

l, , Y, A
A B
l

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Let l = length of rod
A = area of cross section of the rod
Y = YoungÊs modulus of elasticity of the rod
and  = thermal coefficient of linear expansion of the rod
Let the temperature of the rod is increased by an amount t. The length of the rod would had
increased by an amount l, if it were not fixed at two supports. Here
l = l t
But since the rod is fixed at the supports a compressive strain will be produced in the rod. Because
at the increased temperature, the natural length of the rod is l + l, while being fixed at two
supports its actual length is l. Hence thermal strain

l l t
 =  t
l l
or  = t
Therefore, thermal stress  = Y (stress = Y ï strain)
or  = Yt
or force on the supports,
F= A = YA t
This force F is in the direction shown below :

F F F F

ELASTIC ENERGY
When an elastic body is deformed, work is done by the applied force. This work is stored as elastic
potential energy and is released when the body returns back to its original shape or size.
We have already come across an example of elastic potential energy in case of a compressed or
stretched spring. The general expression for the elastic potential energy is a unit volume of a
deformed body is given by:
Elastic energy stored per unit volume = 1/2 (stress) (strain)
= 1/2 (modulus of elasticity) (strain)2

I n t he case of a longit ud inal st r ess (comp r essive or t ensile)

2
Energy stored 1  l 
= Y 
volume 2  l 

1 YA
.  l 
2
Total energy =
2 l

1
Total energy = F l
2
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TORSION
Consider a cylinder whose upper end is rigidity fixed and the
other end is twisted through an angle  about the axis of the fixed
cylinder. The twisted cylinder exerts a restoring torque given by
: l

1 r 4 twisted through

  an angle 
2 l

where n is the modulus of rigidity, r is the radius and l is the

length of the cylinder.
If we express torque as  = C,

r 4
then C   is known as the torsional rigidity.
2l

E xamp le 3

(a) A metal wire 75 cm long and 0.13 cm is diameter stretches 0.035 cm, when a load of 8
kg is hung on its ends. Find the stress, strain and YoungÊs modulus.
(b) A solid cylindrical steel column is 4 m long and 9 cm in diameter. What will be its
decrease is length when carrying a load of 80,000 kg ? Y = 1.9 ï 1011 N/m2.
(c) A box shaped piece of gelatine dessert has a top area of 15 cm2 and a height of 3 cm.
When a shearing force of 0.05 N is applied to the upper surface, the upper surface
displaced 4.0 mm relative to the bottom surface. What are the shearing stress, shearing
strain and shear modulus?
(d) Compute the volume change of a solid copper cube, 40 mm on each edge, when subjected
to a pressure of 2 ï 107 N/m2. The bulk modulus of copper is 1.25 ï 1011 N/m2.
Solution :

F 8  9.8
(a) stress = 
 
A 2
p 6.5 10 4

= 5.9 ï 107 N/m2

l 0.035
stress =  = 4.67 ï 10ă4
l 75

stress 5.91  107

Y = strain 
4.67  104

= 1.27 ï 1011 N/m2

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(b) crosssection area of cylinder = r2
=  (0.045)2 = 6.36 ï 10ă3 m2

l =
Fl


8  104  9.8 4 
AY 
6.36  103 1.9  1011 
= 2.6 ï 10ă3 m
= 2.6 mm

Tangential force 0.5

(c) Shear stress = 
Area of face 15  104

= 333 N/m2

x  displacement 
shear strain =  = 
y height

0.4
=  0.133
3

shear stress
 (shear modulus) =
shear strain

333
=
0.133
= 2500 N/m2

(d) volume stress = p = 2 ï 107 N/m2

V V
volume strain = 
V  0.033

 p
k (bulk modulus) =
V / V

V 
7

 pV  2  10 (0.04)

3

k 1.25  1011

= ă 1.024 ï 10ă8 m3
= ă 10.24 mm2

ELASTICITY
 QUIZRR 19

E xamp le 4

A wire of radius r stretched with out tension, along a straight line is tightly fixed at A &
B. A mass m is suspended from the mid point of the wire. Due to the weight of mass, the
wire is pulled into the shape ACB. Find the depression ÂdÊ in the wire. The length of the wire
is 2l and its youngÊs modulus is Y.
2l
A B

C
m
Solution :
Let T be the tension is the wire.
2T sin  = mg

l l mg
A B T =
 2sin 
d
T T
 T mg mg
mg stress =  
A 2A sin  2r 2 sin 

l d 2  l2  l
strain = 
l l

1/
2
 d2  d2
=  1  2  1
 l  2l 2

d d
As sin  = 
2
d l 2 l

(neglecting d 2, because d 2 << l2)

mg l
stress 
2  r2 d

mg l
 stress 2  r 2 d
Y 
strain d 2 / 2l 2

1/
mg l3  mg  3
 Y   dl 2 
 r 2d3  r Y 

ELASTICITY
 20 QUIZRR
E xamp le 5

A copper rod of length 2 m is stretched by 5 mm of the energy stored is the stretched

rod is converted into heat, calculate the rise in the temperature of the rod. Y (copper)
= 1.2 ï 1011 N/m2, Scu = 0.1 cal/gm/ĈC, d cu = 9.09 g/cc.
Solution :
Total elasticity stored
= 1/2 Y (strain)2 volume
= 1/2 Y (l/l)2 V
Energy stored = heat created
1/2 (l/l)2 V = (ms) 4.2 J /cal
1/2  (l/l)2 V = (  ds ) 4.2 J /cal
2
1  l  ds
  Y
2  l  4.2

1.2  10   5  10
11
3 

2
 9  10  0.1  10 
3 3

= 
2  2  4.2

  = 0.099ĈC

E xamp le 6

A thin ring of radius R is made of a material of density  and YoungÊs modulus Y. If the ring
is rotated about its centre in its own plane with angular velocity , find the small increase
in its radius.
Solution :
Consider an element PQ of length dl. Let T be the tension and A the area of cross section of the
wire.
Mass of element dm = volume ï density
= A (dl)
The component of T, towards the centre provides the necessary centripetal force


 2T sin   = (dm)R2 ...(i)
2

sin
 

 dl / R 
For small angles =
2 2 2
Substituting in Eq. (i), we have

dl
T.  A  dl  R2
R
or T = A2 R2

ELASTICITY
 QUIZRR 21

Let  R be the increase in radius,

T cos (/2) T cos (/2)
l   2R  R
Longitudinal strain =   (/2) (/2)
l 2R R F
P Q
T/A
Now Y =
R/R
O
T T

 R 
T.R
=
 A R  R
2 2

AY AY

2 R 3
or R = Ans.
Y

E xamp le 7
A steel rod of length 6.0 m and diameter 20 mm is fixed between two rigid supports. Determine
the stress in the rod, when the temperature increases by 80ĈC if
(a) the ends do not yield
(b) the ends yield by 1 mm
Take Y = 2.0 ï 106 kg/cm2 and  = 12 ï 10ă6 perĈC

6.0 m
Solution :
Given length of the rod l = 6 m = 600 cm
Diameter of the rod d = 20 mm = 2 cm
Increase in temperature t = 80ĈC
YoungÊs modulus Y = 2.0 × 106 kg/cm2
and thermal coefficient of linear expansion  = 12 ï 10ă 6
perĈC
When the ends do not yield
Let,  1 = stress in the rod
Using the relation  =  tY
  1 = (12 ï 10ă6)(80)(2 ï 106)
= 1920 kg/cm2 Ans.

ELASTICITY
22 QUIZRR
When the ends yield by 1 mm
Increase in length due to increase in temperature
l = lt
of this 1 mm or 0.1 cm is allowed to expand. Therefore, net compression in the rod

lnet = (lt ă 0.1)

lnet  0.1 
 =   t 
l 
or compressive strain in the rod,
l 

 0.1 
 stress 2 = Y  Y  t  
 l 

Substituting the values,

 6 0.1 
 2 = 2 ï 106  12  10  80  
 600 

= 1587 kg/cm2 Ans.

E xamp le 8
What is the density of lead under a pressure of 2.0 ï 108 N/m2, if the bulk modulus of lead
is 8.0 ï 109 N/m2 and initially the density of lead is 11.4 g/cm3 ?
Solution :
The changed density,


´ =
dp
1
B
Substituting the value we have

11.4
´ =
2.0  108
1
8.0  109

or ´ = 11.69 gm/cm3 Ans.

E xamp le 9

A rubber cord has a cross sectional area 1 mm2 and total unstretched length 10.0 cm. It is
stretched to 12.0 cm and then released to project a missile of mass 5.0 g. Taking YoungÊs
modulus Y for rubber as 5.0 ï 108 N/m2. Calculate the velocity of projection.

ELASTICITY
 QUIZRR 23

Solution :
Equivalent force constant of rubber cord.

k
YA
=

(5.0  108 ) 1.0  10 6 
l (0.1)

= 5.0 ï 103 N/m

Now, from conservation of mechanical energy, elastic potential energy of cord
= kinetic energy of missile

1 1
k.  l  = mv2
2

2 2

 k
v =  m  .l
 

 5.0  103 
  (12.0  10.0) 102
=  3 
 5.0 10 

= 20 m/s Ans.
Note : Following assumptions have been made in this example.
(i) k has been assumed constant, even though it depends on the length (l).
(ii) The whole of the elastic potential energy is converting into kinetic energy of missile.

E xamp le 10
A sphere of radius 0.1 m and mass 8 kg is attached to the lower end of a steel wire of length
5.0 m and diameter 10ă3 m. The wire is suspended from 5.22 m high ceiling of a room. When the
sphere is made to swing as a pendulum, it just grazes the floor at its lowest point. Calculate
the velocity of the sphere at the lowest position. YoungÊs modulus of steel is 1.994 ï 1011 N/m2.
Solution :
Let l be the extension of wire when the sphere is at mean position. Then, we have
l + l + 2r = 5.22
or l = 5.22 ă l ă 2r
= 5.22 ă 5 ă 2 ï 0.2
= 0.02 m
Let T be the tension in the wire at mean position during oscillation, then

T/A
Y = 5.22 m T
l / l

YAl Yr 2 l
 T = 
l l

ELASTICITY
24 QUIZRR
Substituting the values, we have

T =
1.994  10      0.5  10 
11 3 2
 0.02
5

= 626.43 N
The equation of motion at mean position is,

mv2
T  mg  ...(i)
R

Here, R = 5.22 ă r = 5.22 ă 0.1 = 5.12 m

and m = 8 kg = 25.13 kg
Substituting the proper values in Eq. (i), we have

 25.13  v2
 626.43   25.13  9.8  
5.12

Solving this equation, we get v = 8.8 m/s Ans.

E xamp le 11

A body of mass 3.14 kg is suspended from one end of a wire of length 10.0 m. The radius of
the wire is changing uniformly from 9.8 ï 10ă4 m at one end to 5.0 ï 10ă4 m at the other end.
Find the change in length of the wire. What will be the change in length if the ends are
interchanged ? YoungÊs modulus of the material of the wire is 2 ï 1011 N/m2.
Solution :
Consider an element of length dx at a distance x from the fixed end; then by definition of Y,
change in the length of the element will be
a
F dx
dy  [as here L  dx]
YA
x
2 
But here A = r r
L dx
= (a + x tan )2
So total change in length of wire
b
L F L dx
L = 0 dy 
Y 0 F
 a  x tan  2

ELASTICITY
 QUIZRR 25

To integrate it let a + x tan  = t, so that the above equation becomes

L
F x  L 2 F  1 
L =
Y tan   x  0
t dt 
Y tan   a  x tan  0


FL FL

or L = a  a + L + tan   Y ab Y

[as (a + L tan ) = b] ...(1)

3.14  9.8  10
So L = [as F = Mg]
  
3.14  9.8  10 4  5  104  2  10 
11

 L = 10ă3 m = 0.0001 m Ans.

Further on interchanging a and b in Eqn. (1), L, i.e., change in length remains same.

Note : If a = b = r, L = (FL/r2Y) which is expected.

E xamp le 12

A thin uniform metallic rod of length 0.5 m and radius 0.1 m rotates with an angular
velocity 400 rad/s in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis passing through one of its
ends. Calculate tension in the rod and the elongation of the rod. The density of material
of the rod is 104 kg/m3 and the YoungÊs modulus is 2 ï 1011 N/m2.
Solution :
(a) Consider an element of length dr at a distance r from the axis

of rotation as shown in Fig. The centripetal force acting on this
element will be
r dr
dT = dmr2 = (A dr)r2
L
As this force is provided by tension in the rod (due to elasticity),
so the tension in the rod at a distance r from the axis of rotation will
be due to the centripetal force due to all elements between
x = r to x = L

L 1
i.e., T= r A2 r dr  A2  L2  r 2  ...(1)
2  

 2 
1 2 2 1
So here T=  10    10  (400)    r 2 
4
2  2  

ELASTICITY
 26 QUIZRR

6 1 2
= 8   10   r  N Ans.
 4 

Note : The tension in the rod will not be constant but will vary from point to point. At
the free end, i.e., r = L, it will be min = 0 while at the other end r = 0, it will be
max = 2 ï 106 N.

(b) Now if dy is the elongation in the element of length dr at position r where tension is T, by
definition of YoungÊs modulus,

dy T  stress 
 as strain = Y 
dr AY  

which in the light of Eq. (1) gives

1 2  2
dy = L  r 2  dr
2 Y  

So the elongation of the whole rod

2 1 2 L3
L =
Y
L
0  
L2  r 2 dr 
3 Y

1 104  (400)2 (0.5)3 1

Here L = 3  11
  10 3 m Ans.
2  10 3

E xamp le 13

A light rod of length 200 cm is suspended from the ceiling horizontally by means of two
vertical wires of equal length tied to its ends. One of the wires is made of steel and is of
cross-section 0.1 cm2 and the other of brass of cross-section 0.2 cm2. Along the rod at which
distance may a weight be hung to produce (a) equal stresses in both the wires (b) equal
strains in both the wires ? Y for brass and steel are 10 ï 1011 and 20 ï 1011 dyne/cm2
respectively.
Solution :
(a) As stresses are equal

T1 T T1 A1 0.1
 2 , i.e.   or T2 = 2T1 ...(1)
A1 A 2 T2 A 2 0.2

Now for translatory equilibrium of the rod,

T1 + T2 = W

ELASTICITY
 QUIZRR 27

which in the light of Eqn. (1) gives

T1 = (W/3)
and T2 = (2W/3) ...(2)
Now if x is the distance of weight W from steel wire, for rotational equilibrium or rod,
T1x = T2(2 ă x) or (W/3)x = (2W/3)(2 ă x),
i.e., x = (4/3) m Ans.
(b) As strains are equal S B
2m
T1 T2  stress 
  as strain = Y  T1 T2
A1 Y1 A 2 Y2   x

W
T A Y 0.1  20  1011
So 1  1 1   1, i.e., T1 = T2 ...(3)
T2 A 2 Y2 0.2  10  1011

So for translatory equilibrium of rod, T1 + T2 = W in the light of Eqn. (3) yields

T1 = T2 = (W/2) ...(4)
And for rotational equilibrium of rod
T1x = T2(2 ă x) or (W/2)x = (W/2)(2 ă x),
i.e., x =1m Ans.

E xamp le 14

Two rods of different metals, having the same area of cross-section A, are placed end to end
between two massive walls as shown in Fig. The first rod has a length l 1, coefficient of
linear expansion 1 and YoungÊs modulus Y1. The corresponding quantities for second rod
are l 2, 2 and Y2. The temperature of both the rods is now raised by T degrees. (a) Find the
force with which the rods act on each other at the higher temperature in terms of the given
quantities. (b) Also find the lengths of the rods at the higher temperature. Assume that
there is no change in the cross-sectional area of the rods and the rods do not bend. There
is no deformation of walls.
Solution :
(a) Due to heating the increase in length of the composite rod will be
(L)l = (L11 + L22)T [as L = L]
and due to compressive force F from the walls due to elasticity, decrease in length will be

L L F  FL 
 L  D   1  2  as L = AY 
 Y1 Y2  A  

ELASTICITY
 28 QUIZRR
As the length of the composite rod remains unchanged the increase in length due to heating must
be equal to increase in length due to compression, i.e.,

F  L1 L2 
   = (L11 + L22)T
A  Y1 Y2 

A  L11  L2 2  T
or F =  L / Y    L / Y   ...(1)
 1 1 2 2 

(b) As initially the length of one rod is L1 and due to heating it increases by (L1)H = (1L1T) while
due to compression it decreases by (L1)C = (FL1/AY1)

L1 L2
1 Y1 2 Y2

so its final length

L´1 = L1 + (L1)H ă (L1)C = L1 [1 + 1T ă (F/AY1)]
Similarly for the other rod,
L´2 = L2 + (L2)H ă (L2)C = L2 [1 + 2T ă (F/AY2)]
where F is given by Eqn. (1). Ans.
Note : In this problem the length of composite rod remains unchanged. i.e., L´1 + L´2 = L1 + L2,
but that of individual rods changes, i.e., L´1  L1 and L´2  L2.

E xamp le 15

A 5 m long cylindrical steel wire with radius 2 ï 10ă3 m is suspended vertically from a rigid
support and carries a bob of mass 100 kg at the other end. If the bob gets snapped, calculate
the change in temperature of the wire ignoring radiation losses. Take g = 10 m/s2.
(For the steel wire : YoungÊs modulus = 2.1 ï 1011 N/m2.
Density = 7860 kg/m3; specific heat = 420 J/kg-K)
Solution :
Given, Length of the wire, l = 5 m
Radius of the wire, r = 2 ï 10ă3 m
Density of wire,  = 7860 kg/m3
l
YoungÊs modulus, Y = 2.1 ï 1011 N/m2
and Specific heat, s = 420 J/kg-K
M = 100kg
Mass of wire, m = (density)(volume)

ELASTICITY
 QUIZRR 29

= ()(r2l)
= (7860)()(2 ï 10ă3)2 (5) Kg
= 0.494 kg
Elastic potential energy stored in the wire,

1
U= (Stress)(Strain)(Volume)
2

1  Mg  l  2  Energy 1 
U=
2  r 2   l 
(r l)  Volume  2 stress  strain 
 

or

1  Fl 
=  Mg  . l  l  AY 
2  

1 Mgl 1 M2 g 2 l
 Mg  
= 2
  2
r 2 Y 2 r Y

Substituting the values, we have

1 100  10   5 
2 2
J
U = 2 (3.14)(2  103 ) 2 2.1  1011
 
= 0.9478 J
When the bob gets snapped, this energy is utilised in raising the temperature of the wire,
So, U = ms

U

 0.9478  C
  = or K
ms  0.494  420 

 = 4.568 ï 10ă3ĈC Ans.

ELASTICITY