Interactive Simulator · Stress, strain and the Young modulus

Load It, Watch It Extend

Add load to the wire and trace its force-extension graph. While the line is straight the wire obeys Hooke law and the gradient is the spring constant. Past the limit of proportionality the line bends as the wire gives way.

Mission Increase the load and decide how the extension relates to the load below the limit of proportionality. Streak 0Best 0
Below the limit of proportionality, the extension is:
load F12 N
extension x0.012 m
stress F/A6.0 × 10⁶ Pa
strain x/L6.0 × 10⁻³
Young modulus (Hooke region)1.0 × 10⁶ Pa
Below the limit of proportionality F = kx; stress = F/A, strain = x/L, and E = stress / strain.