RP4 young's modulus

• equipment:

  • 2 long wires
  • masses and holders
  • main scale
  • vernier scale
  • micrometer
  • metre ruler
• method:

  • set up apparatus
  • measure initial l of test wire with ruler
  • add 1kg mass to both wires, record scale reading
  • add 1kg mass to test wire, record new reading, find extension
  • repeat this up to 8kg
  • repeat everything twice, find mean e for each m,
• improvements:

  • measure d of wire several times at different angles and places, calculate a mean
  • use the longest original l possible to reduce uncertainty
• safety:

  • wear goggles in case the wire snaps and hits anyone in the eye
  • place a sand tray under the masses to catch them so they don't fall on anyone