SUMMARY
The maximum load that can be suspended from a copper wire of length 1.9 m and radius 1.2 mm without breaking is determined by its elastic limit of 2.9 x 108 Pa and tensile strength of 4.3 x 108 Pa. To calculate the breaking point, one must equate the stress in the wire to the elastic limit, using the formula for stress (σ = F/A), where F is the force in Newtons and A is the cross-sectional area. The area can be calculated using the radius of the wire, allowing for the determination of the maximum weight before permanent deformation occurs.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of tensile stress and strain concepts
- Knowledge of the relationship between stress, force, and area
- Familiarity with the properties of materials, specifically copper
- Basic proficiency in unit conversions, particularly Pascals to Newtons
NEXT STEPS
- Calculate the cross-sectional area of a copper wire using the formula A = πr2
- Learn how to derive stress from force and area in material science
- Explore the concepts of elastic limit and ultimate tensile strength in materials
- Investigate practical applications of tensile strength in engineering design
USEFUL FOR
Students in physics or engineering, material scientists, and professionals involved in structural design and analysis will benefit from this discussion.