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NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 8 Mechanical Properties of Solids

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NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 8 Mechanical Properties of Solids - FREE PDF Download

Physics Chapter 8 Mechanical Properties of Solids NCERT solutions by Vedantu explains the behaviour of solid materials under various types of forces and deformations. It covers essential concepts such as stress and strain, Hooke’s Law, and different types of elastic moduli, including Young’s modulus, shear modulus, and bulk modulus. The chapter also explores Poisson’s ratio and the distinctions between elastic and plastic behaviour. This foundational knowledge is critical for advanced studies and practical applications in physics and engineering disciplines. Understanding these properties is crucial for applications in engineering, construction, and materials science. With Vedantu's Class 11 Physics NCERT Solutions, you'll find step-by-step explanations of all the exercises in your textbook, ensuring you understand the concepts thoroughly.

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Access NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 8 – Mechanical Properties of Solids

1. A steel wire of length 4.7 m and cross-sectional area \[3.0\times {{10}^{-5}}{{m}^{2}}\] stretches by the same amount as a copper wire of length 3.5 m and cross-sectional area \[4.0\times {{10}^{-5}}{{m}^{2}}\] of under a given load. What is the ratio of the Young’s modulus of steel to that of copper?

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

The length of the steel wire is ${{L}_{1}}=4.7m$.

Area of cross-section of the steel wire is \[{{A}_{1}}=3.0\times {{10}^{-5}}{{m}^{2}}\].

The length of the copper wire is ${{L}_{2}}=3.5m$.

Area of cross-section of the copper wire is \[{{A}_{2}}=4.0\times {{10}^{-5}}{{m}^{2}}\] .

Now,

The change in length is given by:

$\Delta L={{L}_{1}}-{{L}_{2}}=4.7-3.5=1.2m$

Let the force applied in both the cases be $F$ .

Therefore, Young’s modulus of the steel wire is given by:

${{Y}_{1}}=\frac{F}{{{A}_{1}}}\times \frac{{{L}_{1}}}{\Delta L}=\frac{F\times 4.7}{3.0\times {{10}^{-5}}\times 1.2}$ …… (1)

And Young’s modulus of the copper wire is given by:

${{Y}_{2}}=\frac{F}{{{A}_{2}}}\times \frac{{{L}_{2}}}{\Delta L}=\frac{F\times 3.5}{4.0\times {{10}^{-5}}\times 1.2}$ …… (2)

Therefore,

$\frac{{{Y}_{1}}}{{{Y}_{2}}}=\frac{F\times 4.7\times 4.0\times {{10}^{-5}}\times 1.2}{3.0\times {{10}^{-5}}\times 1.2\times F\times 3.5}=\frac{1.79}{1}$

Hence the ratio of Young’s modulus of steel to that of copper is $1.79:1$ .


2. Figure shows the strain-stress curve for a given material. What are 

a) Young’s modulus?


stress-strain graphs

Ans: From the graph given in the above question it is clear that:

Stress for a given material is $150\times {{10}^{6}}N/{{m}^{2}}$ and strain is $0.002$.

Young’s modulus is given by:

$Y=\frac{Stress}{Strain}$

$\Rightarrow Y=\frac{150\times {{10}^{6}}N/{{m}^{2}}}{0.002}=7.5\times {{10}^{10}}N/{{m}^{2}}$

Therefore, Young’s modulus for the given material is $7.5\times {{10}^{10}}N/{{m}^{2}}$ .


b) Approximate yield strength for this material?


stress-strain graphs

Ans: The yield strength of the material is the maximum stress it sustains without crossing the elastic limit.

From the graph given in the above question, it is clear that approximate yield strength for this material is $300\times {{10}^{6}}N/{{m}^{2}}$ or $3\times {{10}^{8}}N/{{m}^{2}}$ .


3. The stress-strain graphs for materials A and B are shown in figure.


stress-strain graphs

The graphs are drawn to the same scale.

a) Which of the materials has the greater Young’s modulus?

Ans:  In the two graphs it is that given that stress for A is more than that of B.

As, 

\[Young's\text{ }modulus=\frac{Stress}{Strain}\],

Therefore, material A has greater Young's modulus.


b) Which of the two is the stronger material?

Ans: The strength of a material is determined by the amount of stress required for fracturing a material, corresponding to its fracture point. 

Fracture point is defined as the extreme point in a stress-strain curve. 

From the graph it is clear that material A can withstand more strain than material B. 

Therefore, material A is stronger than material B.


4. Read the following two statements below carefully and state, with reasons, if it is true or false.

a) The Young’s modulus of rubber is greater than that of steel.

Ans: The given statement is false. 

As there is more strain in rubber than steel and modulus of elasticity is inversely proportional to strain. Therefore, the Young’s modulus of steel is greater than that of rubber.


b) The stretching of a coil is determined by its shear modulus.

Ans: The given statement is true. 

As the shear modulus of a coil relates with the change in shape of the coil and the stretching of coil changes its shape without any change in the length. Therefore, the shear modulus of elasticity is involved. Hence the stretching of a coil is determined by its shear modulus.


5. Two wires of diameter 0.25 cm, one made of steel and the other made of brass are loaded as shown in figure. The unloaded length of steel wire is 1.5 m and that of brass wire is 1.0 m. Compute the elongations of the steel and the brass wires.


Two wires loaded with two different materials

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Diameter of the wires is $d=0.25m$.

Hence $r=0.125m$.

Length of the steel wire is ${{L}_{1}}=1.5m$.

Length of the brass wire is ${{L}_{2}}=1.0m$.

Total force exerted on the steel wire is ${{F}_{1}}=\left( 4+6 \right)g=10g$

$\therefore {{F}_{1}}=10\times 9.8=98N$.

Young’s modulus for steel is given by 

${{Y}_{1}}=\frac{{{F}_{1}}}{{{A}_{1}}}\times \frac{{{L}_{1}}}{\Delta {{L}_{1}}}$

Where,

$\Delta {{L}_{1}}$ is the change in the length of the steel wire.

And ${{A}_{1}}$ is the area of cross-section of the steel wire.

$\therefore {{A}_{1}}=\pi {{r}_{1}}^{2}$

We have,

Young’s modulus of steel is ${{Y}_{1}}=2.0\times {{10}^{11}}Pa$.

$\Rightarrow \Delta {{L}_{1}}=\frac{{{F}_{1}}\times {{L}_{1}}}{{{A}_{1}}\times {{Y}_{1}}}$

$\Rightarrow \Delta {{L}_{1}}=\frac{98\times 1.5}{\pi {{\left( 0.125 \right)}^{2}}\times 2.0\times {{10}^{11}}}=1.49\times {{10}^{-4}}m$.

Total force on the brass wire is ${{F}_{2}}=6\times 9.8=58.8N$.

Young’s modulus for brass is given by 

${{Y}_{2}}=\frac{{{F}_{2}}}{{{A}_{2}}}\times \frac{{{L}_{2}}}{\Delta {{L}_{2}}}$

Where,

$\Delta {{L}_{2}}$ is the change in the length of the brass wire.

And ${{A}_{2}}$ is the area of cross-section of the brass wire.

$\therefore {{A}_{2}}=\pi {{r}_{2}}^{2}$

We have,

Young’s modulus of brass is ${{Y}_{2}}=0.91\times {{10}^{11}}Pa$.

$\Rightarrow \Delta {{L}_{2}}=\frac{{{F}_{2}}\times {{L}_{2}}}{{{A}_{2}}\times {{Y}_{2}}}$

$\Rightarrow \Delta {{L}_{2}}=\frac{58.8\times 1}{\pi {{\left( 0.125 \right)}^{2}}\times 0.91\times {{10}^{11}}}=1.3\times {{10}^{-4}}m$.

Clearly, the elongation of the steel wire is $1.49\times {{10}^{-4}}m$ and that of the brass wire is $1.3\times {{10}^{-4}}m$.


6. The edge of an aluminium cube is 10 cm long. One face of the cube is firmly fixed to a vertical wall. A mass of 100 kg is then attached to the opposite face of the cube. The shear modulus of aluminium is 25 GPa. What is the vertical deflection of this face?

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Edge of the aluminium cube is $L=10cm=0.1m$.

The mass attached to the cube is $m=100kg$.

Shear modulus $\eta $ of aluminium is $25GPa=25\times {{10}^{10}}Pa$.

We know that:

\[Shear\text{ }modulus\left( \eta  \right)=\frac{\text{Shear stress}}{\text{Shear strain}}\]

$\Rightarrow \eta =\frac{\left( \frac{F}{A} \right)}{\left( \frac{L}{\Delta L} \right)}$

Where,

$F$ is the applied force.

$\therefore F=mg=100\times 9.8=980N$

Area of one of the faces of the cube is $A=0.1\times 0.1=0.01{{m}^{2}}$.

Vertical deflection of the cube is $\Delta L$.

$\Delta L=\frac{FL}{A\eta }$

$\Rightarrow \Delta L=\frac{980\times 0.1}{0.01\times 25\times {{10}^{9}}}=3.92\times {{10}^{-7}}m$

Clearly, the vertical deflection of this face of the cube is $3.92\times {{10}^{-7}}m$.


7. Four identical hollow cylindrical columns of mild steel support a big structure of mass 50,000 kg. The inner and outer radii of each column are 30 cm and 60 cm respectively. Assuming the load distribution to be uniform, calculate the compressional strain of each column.

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Mass of the big structure is $M=50000kg$.

Inner radius of the column is $r=30cm=0.3m$.

Outer radius of the column is $R=60cm=0.6m$ 

Young’s modulus of steel is $Y=2\times {{10}^{11}}Pa$

The total force exerted is $F=Mg=50000\times 9.8N$.

\[\text{Stress = Force exerted on a single column}\]

$\Rightarrow Stress=\frac{50000\times 9.8}{4}=122500N$

Young’s modulus is given by:

 $Y=\frac{Stress}{Strain}$

$\Rightarrow Strain=\frac{\left( \frac{F}{A} \right)}{Y}$

Where,

Area is given by

$A=\pi \left( {{R}^{2}}-{{r}^{2}} \right)=\pi \left( {{\left( 0.6 \right)}^{2}}-{{\left( 0.3 \right)}^{2}} \right)$.

$\Rightarrow Strain=\frac{\left( \frac{50000\times 9.8}{\pi \left( {{\left( 0.6 \right)}^{2}}-{{\left( 0.3 \right)}^{2}} \right)} \right)}{2\times {{10}^{11}}}=7.22\times {{10}^{-7}}$

Therefore, the compressional strain of each column is $7.22\times {{10}^{-7}}$.


8. A piece of copper having a rectangular cross-section of 15.2 mm × 19.1 mm is pulled in tension with 44,500 N force, producing only elastic deformation. Calculate the resulting strain?

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Length of the piece of copper is $l=19.1mm=19.1\times {{10}^{-3}}m$.

Breadth of the piece of copper is $b=15.2mm=15.2\times {{10}^{-3}}m$

Area of the copper piece will be:

$A=l\times b$

$\Rightarrow A=19.1\times {{10}^{-3}}\times 15.2\times {{10}^{-3}}=2.9\times {{10}^{-4}}{{m}^{2}}$

Tension force applied on the piece of copper is $F=44500N$.

Modulus of elasticity of copper is $\eta =42\times {{10}^{9}}N/{{m}^{2}}$.

We know that :

\[\text{Modulus of elasticity}\left( \eta  \right)=\frac{Stress}{Strain}\]

$\Rightarrow \eta =\frac{\left( \frac{F}{A} \right)}{Strain}$

$\Rightarrow Strain=\frac{F}{A\eta }$

$\Rightarrow Strain=\frac{44500}{2.9\times {{10}^{-4}}\times 42\times {{10}^{9}}}=3.65\times {{10}^{-3}}$

Hence, the resulting strain is $3.65\times {{10}^{-3}}$.


9. A steel cable with a radius of 1.5 cm supports a chairlift at a ski area. If the maximum stress is not to exceed ${{10}^{8}}N/{{m}^{2}}$, what is the maximum load the cable can support?

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Radius of the steel cable is $r=1.5cm=0.015m$.

Maximum allowable stress is ${{10}^{8}}N/{{m}^{2}}$.

We know that:

\[\text{Maximum force = Maximum stress }\times \text{Area of cross-section}\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{Maximum force =1}{{\text{0}}^{8}}\times \pi {{\left( 0.015 \right)}^{2}}=7.065\times {{10}^{4}}N\]

Therefore, the cable can support the maximum load of \[7.065\times {{10}^{4}}N\].


10. A rigid bar of mass 15 kg is supported symmetrically by three wires each 2.0 m long. Those at each end are of copper and the middle one is of iron. Determine the ratio of their diameters if each is to have the same tension.

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Tension force acting on each wire is the same.

Therefore the extension produced in each wire is the same.

As the length of both wires is the same, the strain in both wires is also the same.

Young’s modulus is given by:

$Y=\frac{Stress}{Strain}$

$\Rightarrow Y=\frac{\left( \frac{F}{A} \right)}{Strain}=\frac{\frac{4F}{\pi {{d}^{2}}}}{Strain}$ …… (1)

Where,

$F$ is the Tension force,

$A$ is the area of cross-section and

$d$ is the diameter of the wire

From equation (1), it is clear that $Y\propto \frac{1}{{{d}^{2}}}$.

Young’s modulus for iron is ${{Y}_{1}}=190\times {{10}^{9}}Pa$.

Let the diameter of the iron wire be ${{d}_{1}}$.

Young’s modulus for copper is ${{Y}_{2}}=100\times {{10}^{9}}Pa$.

Let the diameter of the copper wire be ${{d}_{2}}$.

Therefore, the ratio of their diameters is given as:

$\frac{{{d}_{2}}}{{{d}_{1}}}=\sqrt{\frac{{{Y}_{1}}}{{{Y}_{2}}}}=\sqrt{\frac{190\times {{10}^{9}}}{100\times {{10}^{9}}}}=\frac{1.31}{1}$

Therefore, the ratio of diameters of copper wire to iron wire is $1.31:1$.


11. A 14.5 kg mass, fastened to the end of a steel wire of unstretched length 1.0 m, is whirled in a vertical circle with an angular velocity of 2 rev/s at the bottom of the circle. The cross-sectional area of the wire is \[0.065c{{m}^{2}}\]. Calculate the elongation of the wire when the mass is at the lowest point of its path.

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Mass is \[m=14.5\text{ }kg\].

Length of the steel wire is \[l=1.0\text{ }m\]

Angular velocity is $\omega =2rev/s$

Cross-sectional area of the wire is \[a=0.065c{{m}^{2}}=0.065\times {{10}^{-4}}{{m}^{2}}\].

Consider the elongation of the wire when the mass is at the lowest point of its path to be $\Delta l$.

The total force on the mass when the mass is placed at the position of the vertical circle is given by:

$F=mg+ml{{\omega }^{2}}$

$\Rightarrow F=14.5\times 9.8+14.5\times 1\times {{2}^{4}}=200.1N$

Young’s modulus is given by:

 $Y=\frac{Stress}{Strain}$

$\Rightarrow Y=\frac{\left( \frac{F}{A} \right)}{\left( \frac{\Delta l}{l} \right)}$

$\Rightarrow \Delta l=\frac{Fl}{AY}$

We know that Young’s modulus for steel is $2\times {{10}^{11}}Pa$.

Therefore,

$\Delta l=\frac{220.1\times 1}{0.065\times {{10}^{-4}}\times 2\times {{10}^{11}}}=1.53\times {{10}^{-4}}m$

Thus, the elongation of the wire is $1.53\times {{10}^{-4}}m$.


12. Compute the bulk modulus of water from the following data: Initial volume = 100.0 litre, Pressure increase = 100.0 atm$\left( 1atm=1.013\times {{10}^{5}}Pa \right)$. Final volume = 100.5 litre. Compare the bulk modulus of water with that of air (at constant temperature). Explain in simple terms why the ratio is so large.

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Initial volume is ${{V}_{1}}=100.0l=100\times {{10}^{-3}}{{m}^{3}}$.

Final volume is ${{V}_{2}}=100.5l=100.5\times {{10}^{-3}}{{m}^{3}}$.

Thus, the increase in volume is ${{V}_{2}}-{{V}_{1}}=0.5\times {{10}^{-3}}{{m}^{3}}$.

Increase in pressure is $\Delta p=100atm=100\times 1.013\times {{10}^{5}}Pa$.

The formula for bulk modulus is 

\[\text{Bulk Modulus}=\frac{\Delta p}{\left( \frac{\Delta V}{{{V}_{1}}} \right)}=\frac{\Delta p{{V}_{1}}}{\Delta V}\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{Bulk Modulus=}\frac{100\times 1.013\times {{10}^{5}}\times 100\times {{10}^{-3}}}{0.5\times {{10}^{-3}}{{m}^{3}}}=2.026\times {{10}^{9}}Pa\]

We know that Bulk modulus of air is $1\times {{10}^{5}}Pa$.

$\Rightarrow \frac{Bulk\text{ }modulus\text{ }of\text{ }water}{Bulk\text{ }modulus\text{ }of\text{ }air}=\frac{2.026\times {{10}^{9}}}{1\times {{10}^{5}}}=2.026\times {{10}^{4}}$

This ratio is very high because air is more compressible than water.


13. What is the density of water at a depth where pressure is 80.0 atm, given that its density at the surface is $1.03\times {{10}^{3}}kg/{{m}^{3}}$ ?

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Pressure at the given depth is $p=80.0atm=80\times 1.01\times {{10}^{5}}Pa$.

Consider the given depth to be h.

Density of water at the surface is ${{\rho }_{1}}=1.03\times {{10}^{3}}kg/{{m}^{3}}$

Consider ${{\rho }_{2}}$ to be the density of water at the depth h.

Consider ${{V}_{1}}$ to be the volume of water of mass m at the surface.

Consider ${{V}_{2}}$ to be the volume of water of mass m at the depth h.

Consider $\Delta V$ to be the change in volume.

$\Delta V={{V}_{1}}-{{V}_{2}}$

$\Rightarrow \Delta V=m\left[ \left( \frac{1}{{{\rho }_{1}}} \right)-\left( \frac{1}{{{\rho }_{2}}} \right) \right]$

Now,

$Volumetric\text{ }strain=m\left[ \left( \frac{1}{{{\rho }_{1}}} \right)-\left( \frac{1}{{{\rho }_{2}}} \right) \right]\times \left( \frac{{{\rho }_{1}}}{m} \right)$

$\Rightarrow \frac{\Delta V}{{{V}_{1}}}=1-\left( \frac{{{\rho }_{1}}}{{{\rho }_{2}}} \right)$ …… (1)

Bulk modulus is given by:

\[Bulk\text{ }modulus=\frac{p{{V}_{1}}}{\Delta V}\]

$\Rightarrow \frac{\Delta V}{{{V}_{1}}}=\frac{p}{B}$

Compressibility of water is given by:

$\frac{1}{B}=45.8\times {{10}^{-11}}P{{a}^{-1}}$

\[\Rightarrow \frac{\Delta V}{{{V}_{1}}}=80\times 1.013\times {{10}^{5}}\times 45.8\times {{10}^{-11}}=3.71\times {{10}^{-3}}\] …… (2)

From equations (1) and (2) we get:

$1-\left( \frac{{{\rho }_{1}}}{{{\rho }_{2}}} \right)=3.71\times {{10}^{-3}}$

$\Rightarrow {{\rho }_{2}}=\frac{1.03\times {{10}^{3}}}{\left[ 1-\left( 3.71\times {{10}^{-3}} \right) \right]}=1.034\times {{10}^{3}}kg{{m}^{-3}}$

Clearly, the density of water at the given depth (h) is $1.034\times {{10}^{3}}kg{{m}^{-3}}$.


14. Compute the fractional change in volume of a glass slab, when subjected to a hydraulic pressure of 10 atm.

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

The hydraulic pressure exerted on the glass slab is $p=10atm=10\times 1.013\times {{10}^{5}}Pa$.

Also, we know that the bulk modulus of glass is $B=37\times {{10}^{9}}N/{{m}^{2}}$.

Bulk modulus is given by the relation:

\[B=\frac{p}{\left( \frac{\Delta V}{V} \right)}\]

Where,

\[\frac{\Delta V}{V}\] is the fractional change in volume.

\[\Rightarrow \left( \frac{\Delta V}{V} \right)=\frac{p}{B}\]

\[\Rightarrow \left( \frac{\Delta V}{V} \right)=\frac{10\times 1.013\times {{10}^{5}}}{37\times {{10}^{9}}}=2.73\times {{10}^{-5}}\]

Clearly, the fractional change in the volume of the glass slab is \[2.73\times {{10}^{-5}}\].


15. Determine the volume contraction of a solid copper cube, 10 cm on an edge, when subjected to a hydraulic pressure of $7\times {{10}^{6}}Pa$.

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

The length of an edge of the solid copper cube is $l=10cm=0.1m$.

Hydraulic pressure is $p=7\times {{10}^{6}}Pa$.

Bulk modulus of copper is $B=140\times {{10}^{9}}Pa$.

Bulk modulus is given by the relation:

\[B=\frac{p}{\left( \frac{\Delta V}{V} \right)}\]

Where,

\[\frac{\Delta V}{V}\] is the volumetric strain

$\Delta V$ is the change in volume.

$V$ is the original volume.

\[\Rightarrow \Delta V=\frac{pV}{B}\]

The original volume of the cube is $V={{l}^{3}}$.

\[\Rightarrow \Delta V=\frac{p{{l}^{3}}}{B}\]

\[\Rightarrow \Delta V=\frac{7\times {{10}^{6}}\times {{\left( 0.1 \right)}^{3}}}{140\times {{10}^{9}}}=5\times {{10}^{-8}}{{m}^{3}}=5\times {{10}^{-2}}c{{m}^{3}}\]

Clearly, the volume contraction of the solid copper cube is \[5\times {{10}^{-2}}c{{m}^{3}}\].


16. How much should the pressure on a litre of water be changed to compress it by 0.10%?

Ans: In the above question it is given that:

Volume of water is $V=1L$.

The water is to be compressed by \[0.10%\].

$\therefore Fractional\text{ }change=\frac{\Delta V}{V}=\frac{0.1}{100\times 1}={{10}^{-3}}$ 

Bulk modulus is given by the relation:

\[B=\frac{p}{\left( \frac{\Delta V}{V} \right)}\]

\[\Rightarrow p=B\times \left( \frac{\Delta V}{V} \right)\]

We know that, bulk modulus of water is $B=2.2\times {{10}^{9}}N/{{m}^{2}}$

\[\Rightarrow p=2.2\times {{10}^{9}}\times {{10}^{-3}}=2.2\times {{10}^{6}}N/{{m}^{2}}\].

Clearly, the pressure on water should be \[2.2\times {{10}^{6}}N/{{m}^{2}}\].


Mechanical Properties of Solids Chapter Summary - Class 11 NCERT Solutions

Elastic and Plastic Behaviour of Materials

  • Whenever a force is applied on a body, then it tends to change the size or shape of the body.

  • The property of a body, by virtue of which it tends to regain its original size and shape when the applied force is removed, is known as Elasticity and the deformation caused is known as Elastic Deformation.

  • Those substances which do not have a tendency to regain their shape and hence gets permanently deformed are called Plastic and the property is called Plasticity.


Stress

  • The restoring force per unit cross-sectional are set up within the body is called stress.

  • $Stress\frac{Restoring\; force }{Area\;of\;cross\;section}=\frac{F}{A}$

In SI system, unit of stress is N/m2 or pascal (Pa). In general there are three types of stresses 

(a) Longitudinal Stress – Tensile stress (associated with stretching or compressive stress (associated with compression).

(b) Shearing Stress.

(c) Bulk Stress.


Breaking Stress

  • The minimum stress after which the wire breaks is called breaking stress.

  • A wire of length l will break due to its own weight, when $l=\frac{Breaking\;stress}{dg}$

where, d = density of material of wire and g = acceleration due to gravity.


Strain

  • Strain is defined as the ratio of change in dimension of an object to the original dimension.

$Strain=\frac{Change\;in\;configuration\;of\;the\;Object}{Original\;configuration\;of\;the\;Object}$

It is a pure number and has no unit.


Hooke’s Law

  • This law states that, for small deformations, the stress and strain are proportional to each other. 

Thus, Stress\propto Strain

$Stress=k\times\;strain$

The SI unit of modulus of elasticity is Nm-2

A class of solids called elastomers do not obey Hooke’s law.


Moduli of Elasticity

  • Three elastic moduli viz. Young’s Modulus, shear modulus and bulk modulus are used to describe the elastic behavior of objects as they respond to deforming forces that act on them.

When an object is under tension or compression, the Hooke’s law takes the form:

$ \frac{F}{A}=\frac{Y\Delta L}{L}$

where $\frac{\Delta L}{L}$ is the tensile or compressive strain of the object, F is the magnitude of the applied fore causing the strain. A is the cross-sectional area over which F is applied (perpendicular to A) and Y is the Young’s modulus for the object.

A pair of forces when applied parallel to the upper and lower faces, the solid deforms so that the upper face moves sideways with respect to the lower. The horizontal displacement $\Delta L$ of the upper face is perpendicular to the vertical height L. This type of deformation is called shear and the corresponding stress is the shearing stress. This type of stress is possible only in solids.

In this kind of deformation the Hooke’s law takes the form :

$\frac{F}{A}=G\times\frac{\Delta L}{L}$ where $\Delta L$ is the displacement of one end of object in the direction of the applied force F, and G is the shear modulus.

When an object undergoes hydraulic compression due to a stress exerted by a surrounding fluid, the Hooke’s law takes the form $P= -B\left (\frac{\Delta V}{V} \right )$. where p is the pressure (hydraulic stress) on the object due to the fluid, $\frac{\Delta V}{V}$ (the volume strain) is the absolute fractional change in the object’s volume due to that pressure and B is the bulk modulus of the object.

  • The Young’s modulus and shear modulus are relevant only for solids since only solids have lengths and shapes.

  • Bulk modulus is relevant for solids, liquid and gases. it refers to the change in volume when every part of the body is under the uniform stress so that the shape of the body remains unchanged.

  • Metal shave larger values of Young’s modulus than alloys and elastomers. A material with large value of Young’s modulus require a large force to produce small changes in its length.


Poisson’s Ratio

  • It is the ratio of transverse or lateral strain to longitudinal strain in the direction of stretching force. It is expressed as

$\sigma =\frac{Lateral\;Contraction\;strain}{Longitudinal\;Contraction\;strain}=\frac{-d/D}{l/L}$ 

where, d = change in diameter & D = original diameter,  l change in length   &  L = original length.

Theoretical limits of Poisson’s ratio are -1 and 0.5, while the practical limits are 0 and 0.5.

Relation between  Y,K,G and 𝝈 as given below

  1. $L = \frac{y}{{3(1 - 2\sigma )}}$

  2. $G = \frac{y}{{2{\mkern 1mu} (1 + \sigma )}}$

  3. \[\sigma  = {\mkern 1mu} \frac{{(3B - 2G)}}{{2(3B + G)}}\]

  4. $Y = \frac{{9GB}}{{3B + G}}$

  5. $\frac{9}{Y} = \frac{3}{G} + \frac{1}{B}$




Stress-strain Curve

  • A typical stress-strain curve for a metal is shown in figure


A typical stress-strain curve for a metal.


  • In the region O to A, stress is found proportional to strain. Thus, Hooke’s law is fully obeyed in this region and body regain its original shape.

  • Point A is known as point of proportional limit.

  • In the region from A to B, stress and strain are not proportional, but the body still returns to its original shape and size.

  • The point B is yield point (also called elastic limit) and corresponding stress is yield stress (\sigma y).

  • If stress increases beyond point B, the strain further increases, but on removing the strain wire does not regain its original length.

  • Beyond point C, for a small stress, the strain produced is large upto point D. The wire will break at point D called fracture point of wire.


Elastic Potential Energy Stored in a Stretched Wire

  • The work done in stretching a wire against the interatomic forces is stored as the elastic potential energy.

  • Potential energy of work done per unit is given by

$U=\frac{W}{V}=\frac{1}{2}\times\;Stress\times\;Strain$

$=\frac{1}{2}\times\;Y\;\times\;\left ( Strain \right )^{2}=\frac{1}{2Y}\times\;\left ( Strain \right )^{2}\left [ \vec{} Y=\frac{Stress}{Strain}\right ]$

  • Potential energy stored in stretching wire by restoring force is expressed as

$W=\frac{1}{2}\times\;F\;\times\;l$

where, F = restoring force and l= elongation produced.

  • If the force acting on the body is increased from F1 to F2 within the elastic limit, then 

$W=\frac{\left ( F_{1}+F_{2} \right )}{2}\times\;extension$


Overview of Deleted Syllabus for CBSE Class 11 Physics Mechanical Properties of Solids

Chapter

Dropped Topics

Mechanical Properties of Solids

9.2 Elastic Behaviour of Solids

9.6.2 Determination of Young’s Modulus of the Material of a Wire

Exercises 9.17 – 9.21



Conclusion

Class 11 Physics chapter 8 NCERT solutions on Mechanical Properties of Solids provided by Vedantu provides an in-depth understanding of how solids behave under various forces and deformations. By studying stress, strain, elastic moduli, and the distinctions between elastic and plastic behaviour, you gain valuable insights into the material properties that are crucial for engineering, construction, and material science applications. This knowledge equips students with the foundational principles needed to analyse and design structures and materials that can withstand real-world stresses, laying the groundwork for further studies in physics and engineering disciplines. From previous year's question papers, typically around 3–4 questions are asked from this chapter. 


Other Study Material for CBSE Class 11 Physics Chapter Mechanical Properties of Solids


Chapter-Specific NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics

Given below are the chapter-wise NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics. Go through these chapter-wise solutions to be thoroughly familiar with the concepts.



CBSE Class 11 Physics Study Materials

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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 8 Mechanical Properties of Solids

1. What can I expect from the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 8?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers for all the exercise questions in Chapter 8, Mechanical Properties of Solids, as per the latest CBSE 2025-26 syllabus. They explain the correct formulas and methods for solving problems related to stress, strain, Young's modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus, helping you understand the concepts and score better in exams.

2. How do the NCERT solutions explain the concept of stress and strain?

In the NCERT solutions, stress (σ) is defined as the internal restoring force acting per unit area of a deformed body. Strain is the fractional change in the dimension (length, volume, or shape) of the body. The solutions demonstrate how to calculate these values in different scenarios, such as a wire under tension or a cube under hydraulic pressure.

3. What is the correct method to solve problems using Hooke's Law as shown in the Chapter 8 solutions?

The solutions apply Hooke's Law, which states that within the elastic limit, stress is directly proportional to strain. The standard method is:

  • Identify the type of stress (tensile, compressive, or shear).
  • Choose the appropriate modulus of elasticity (Young's, Shear, or Bulk).
  • Use the formula: Stress = Modulus × Strain.
  • Substitute the known values and solve for the unknown quantity, ensuring all units are in the SI system.

4. How do the NCERT solutions use the stress-strain curve to differentiate between ductile and brittle materials?

The NCERT solutions for problems involving stress-strain graphs show that ductile materials (like steel or copper) have a large plastic region, meaning they can undergo significant deformation before fracturing. In contrast, brittle materials (like glass) have a very small or non-existent plastic region and fracture soon after the elastic limit is crossed. The solutions use points on the graph to determine properties like yield strength and fracture point.

5. How do I calculate the elongation of a wire under a load, as demonstrated in the NCERT solutions?

To find the elongation (ΔL), the solutions use the formula for Young's Modulus (Y): Y = (F/A) / (ΔL/L). The step-by-step method is as follows:

  • Calculate the total force (F) acting on the wire (e.g., mg).
  • Determine the cross-sectional area (A) of the wire, usually πr².
  • Rearrange the formula to solve for ΔL: ΔL = (F × L) / (A × Y).
  • Ensure all values like original length (L), area (A), and Young's Modulus (Y) are in SI units before calculating.

6. Why is the stretching of a coil spring determined by its Shear Modulus and not Young's Modulus?

Although the spring elongates as a whole, the wire it is made of undergoes twisting or torsion, not a simple lengthwise stretch. This change in shape at a constant volume is a type of shearing strain. Therefore, the Shear Modulus (G), which measures a material's resistance to shape change, is the relevant property. Young's Modulus, which relates to longitudinal stress and strain, is not applicable here.

7. What is the step-by-step method to calculate the volume contraction of a solid under hydraulic pressure using the NCERT solutions?

The solutions use the concept of Bulk Modulus (B) to find volume change. The steps are:

  • Identify the applied hydraulic pressure (p) and the original volume (V) of the object.
  • Use the formula for Bulk Modulus: B = -p / (ΔV/V).
  • Rearrange it to find the volume contraction (ΔV): ΔV = (p × V) / B.
  • The negative sign indicates that volume decreases as pressure increases, but for calculation purposes, you typically work with the magnitudes.

8. According to the solutions for Chapter 8, what is a common mistake when comparing the Young's Modulus of two different materials?

A common pitfall is assuming that a more stretchable material like rubber has a higher Young's Modulus. The NCERT solutions clarify that Young's Modulus (Y) is a measure of stiffness, not stretchability. Since steel requires a much larger force for the same amount of strain compared to rubber, steel has a significantly higher Young's Modulus. The formula Y = Stress/Strain shows that for a given stress, Y is inversely proportional to strain.

9. How are the three types of elastic moduli—Young's, Shear, and Bulk—applied differently in the NCERT exercise problems?

The NCERT solutions apply each modulus based on the type of deformation:

  • Young's Modulus (Y) is used for changes in length, such as stretching a wire.
  • Shear Modulus (G) is used for changes in shape, like the vertical deflection of a cube's face when a tangential force is applied.
  • Bulk Modulus (B) is used for changes in volume due to pressure from all sides, such as a solid submerged in a fluid.