What is the Maximum Load a Copper Wire Can Support?

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SUMMARY

The maximum load that can be supported by a copper wire with a diameter of 0.37 mm is calculated using the breaking stress of copper, which is approximately 3.00×108 N/m2. The cross-sectional area of the wire is determined using the formula for the area of a circle, A = π(d/2)2. When 17 percent of this maximum load is applied, the wire will stretch by a fraction that can be calculated using the relationship between stress, strain, and Young's modulus for copper.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tensile stress and strain
  • Familiarity with Young's modulus for copper
  • Ability to calculate the cross-sectional area of a wire
  • Knowledge of basic physics formulas related to tension in materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for calculating tensile stress in materials
  • Learn how to compute strain using the applied load and Young's modulus
  • Explore the properties of copper, including its Young's modulus value
  • Investigate the effects of different wire diameters on load capacity and stretch
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, engineers working with materials, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanical properties of copper wire under load.

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Homework Statement



(a) Copper has a breaking stress of about 3.00×108 N/m2. What is the maximum load that can be hung from a copper wire of diameter 0.37 mm?

(b) If 17 percent of this maximum load is hung from the copper wire, by what fraction of its original length will it stretch?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I know that this one is simple, I just can't find the correct formula to use. Anyone got any ideas?
 
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(a) They give you the diameter of the wire, so you have cross sectional area. You can also assume the wire is only in tension. Do you know how to calculate stress in a wire under tension?

(b) Given the load, can you find strain on this particular wire?
 

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