Solution
Related Formula
Young's modulus Y is defined as:
Y = StressStrain = (F / A)/(Δ L / L) Δ L = (F L)/(A Y)Area of cross-section of wire with diameter d is:
A = (π d²)/(4) Δ L = (4 F L)/(π d² Y)Core Logic
Since both wires are made of the same material (
Y_A = Y_B) and stretched with the same force (F_A = F_B):Δ L ∝ (L)/(d²)Set up the ratio for wires A and B:
(Δ LA)/(Δ LB) = ( (LA)/(LB) ) × ( (dB)/(dA) )²Step 1: Substitute Given Ratios
Substitute the ratios
\frac{L_A}{L_B} = \frac{1}{3}and\frac{d_A}{d_B} = 2 \implies \frac{d_B}{d_A} = \frac{1}{2}:(Δ LA)/(Δ LB) = ( (1)/(3) ) × ( (1)/(2) )² = (1)/(3) × (1)/(4) = (1)/(12)Therefore, the ratio of their elongations is
1:12.Pattern Recognition
Sees: Same material, same stretching force. Shortcut: Elongation scales directly with length and inversely with the square of the diameter (radius). Thus, ratio is
(1/3) / (2^2) = 1/12$.Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: Mechanical Properties of Solids