Young's Modulus

Determining the Young's Modulus of a metal wire is a practical often done in schools using Searle's apparatus. This piece of equipment is useful for metal wires because it incorporates a vernier scale for measuring the small extensions due to increases in tension.

The method given here does not require a vernier scale, however a suitable material must be used eg cotton or nylon thread, fishing line etc

The treatment of uncertainties given in the advanced log book is quite involved but can be simplified for less experienced students.

Image from http://www-materials.eng.cam.ac.uk/mpsite/interactive_charts/stiffness-density/NS6Chart.html