Two wires of the same material are stretched by equal forces,but L₁ = 2L₂ and d₁ = 2d₂,where L and d are the lengths and diameters of the two wires.The ratio of the stresses stress₁/stress₂ is A)1. B)2. C)4. D)½. E)¼.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stress is defined as force per unit area. Since the forces are equal, the stress ratio depends on the cross-sectional areas. The area is proportional to the square of the diameter, so A1/A2 = (d1/d2)^2 = (2d2/d2)^2 = 4. Therefore, stress1/stress2 = 1/4.

Two Wires of the Same Material Are Stretched by Equal