Rankers Physics

Solids: Practice Problem & Solution

Two wires are made of the same material and have the same volume. The first wire has cross-sectional area $A$ and the second wire has cross-sectional area $3A$. If the length of the first wire is increased by $\Delta l$ on applying a force $F$, how much force is needed to stretch the second wire by the same amount? (2018)
$4 F$
$6 F$
$9 F$
$F$

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Solids. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Volume $V = A_1 L_1 = A_2 L_2 \Rightarrow A L_1 = 3A L_2 \Rightarrow L_2 = L_1/3$. Force $F = \frac{Y A \Delta l}{L_1}$. For the second wire, $F' = \frac{Y (3A) \Delta l}{L_1/3} = 9 \left( \frac{Y A \Delta l}{L_1} \right) = 9F$.

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