JEE Solved Example on Mechanical Properties of

Solid
JEE Mains
Q1: A compressive force, 𝐅 is applied at the two ends of a long thin steel rod. It is heated,
simultaneously, such that its temperature increases by 𝚫𝑻. The net change in its length is zero. Let
𝑳 be the length of the rod, 𝑨 is its area of crosssection. 𝐘 is Young's modulus, and 𝜶 is its
coefficient of linear expansion. Then, 𝐅 is equal to
a. 𝑳𝟐 𝒀𝒂𝚫𝑻
b. 𝑨𝒀/𝒂𝚫𝑻
d. LAYa 𝚫𝑻

Ans: (c) AYαΔT

Thermal expansion, ΔL = L𝛼ΔT − − − (1)
Let Δ𝐿′ be the compression produced by applied force
𝑌 = 𝐹𝐿/𝐴Δ𝐿′ ⇒ 𝐹 = 𝑌𝐴Δ𝐿′ /𝐿 − − − − − (2)
Net change in length = 0 ⇒ Δ𝐿′ = Δ𝐿 − −(3)
From (1),(2) and (3)
𝐹 = 𝑌𝐴𝑥(𝐿𝑎Δ𝑇)/𝐿 = 𝑌𝐴𝑎Δ𝑇

Q2: A wire suspended vertically from one of its ends is stretched by attaching a weight of 200 N to
the lower end. The weight stretches the wire by 1mm. Then the elastic energy stored in the wire is

a. 0.2 J

b. 10 J

c. 20 J

d. 0.1 J

Ans: (d) 0.1 J

Elastic energy per unit volume = ½ x stress x strain

Elastic Energy = ½ x stress x strain x volume

= ½ x F/A x (ΔL /L) x (AL)

= ½ x FΔL

= ½ x 200 x 10-3
Elastic Energy = 0.1 J
Q3: A rod of length L at room temperature and uniform area of cross-section A, Is made of a metal
having a coefficient of linear expansion α. It is observed that an external compressive force F is
applied to each of its ends, prevents any change in the length of the rod when its temperature
rises by ΔT K. Young’s modulus, Y for this metal is

a.F/A αΔT

b.F/Aα(ΔT – 273)

c. F/2AαΔ

d. 2F/AαΔT

Ans: (a) F/AαΔT

Young’s Modulus Y = stress/strain = (F/A)/(Δl/l)

Substituting the coefficient of linear expansion

α =Δl /(lΔT)

Δl /l= αΔT

Y= (F/AαΔT)

Q4: Young’s moduli of two wires A and B are in the ratio 7:4. Wire A is 2m long and has radius R.
Wire B is 1.5 m long and has a radius of 2mm. If the two wires stretch by the same length for a
given load, then the value of R is close t

a. 1.5 mm

b. 1.9 mm

c. 1.7 mm

d. 1.3 mm

Ans: (c) 1.7 mm

Δ1= Δ2

(Fl1/πr12y1) = (Fl2/πr22y2)

2/(R2 x 7)= 1.5/(22x 4)

R= 1.75 mm
Q5: The elastic limit of brass is 379 MPa. What should be the minimum diameter of a brass rod if it
is to support a 400 N load without exceeding its elastic limit?

a. 1 mm

b. 1.15 mm

c. 0.90 mm

d. 1.36 mm

Ans: (b) 1.15 mm

Stress = F/A

Stress = 400 x 4/πd2

= 379 x 106 N/m2

d2 = (400 x 4)/(379 x 106π)

d = 1.15 mm

Q6: A uniform cylindrical rod of length L and radius r, is made from a material whose Young’s
modulus of Elasticity equals Y. When this rod is heated by temperature T and simultaneously
subjected to a net longitudinal compressional force F, its length remains unchanged. The
coefficient of volume expansion, of the material of the rod is nearly equal to

a. 9F/(πr2YT)

b. 6F/(πr2YT)

c. 3F/(πr2YT)

d. F/(3πr2YT)

Ans: (c) 3F/πr2YT

Y = (F/πr2) x L/ΔL

ΔL = Fl/πr2Y——–(1)

Change in length due to temperature change

ΔL=LαΔT————(2)

From equa (1) and (2)

L αΔT = FL/AY

α= F/AYΔT
α = F/πr2YT

Coefficient of volume expansion

3∝ = 3F/πr2YT

Q7: The following four wires are made of the same material. Which of these will have the largest
extension when the same tension is applied?

(a) length = 200 cm, diameter = 2 mm

(b) length = 300 cm, diameter = 3 mm

(c) length = 50 cm, diameter = 0.5 mm

(b) length = 100 cm, diameter = 1 mm

Answer: (c) length = 50 cm, diameter = 0.5 mm

Since all four wires are made from the same material Young’s modulus will be the same.

ΔL ∝ L/D2

In (a) L/D2 = 200/(0.2)2 = 5 x 103 cm-1

In (b) L/D2 = 300/(0.3)2 = 3.3 x 103 cm-1

In (c) L/D2 = 50/(0.5)2 = 20 x 103 cm-1

In (d) L/D2 = 100/(0.1)2 = 10 x 103 cm-1

Q8: A man grows into a giant such that his linear dimensions increase by a factor of 9. Assuming
that his density remains the same, the stress in the leg will change by a factor of

(a) 1/9

(b) 81

(c) 1/81

(d) 9

Answer: (d) 9

Stress = Force/Area

Stress = Force/L2

Now, dimensions increases by a factor of 9

Now, S = (volume x density) x g /L2

S = L3 x ρ g /L2 = L ρ g

Stress S ∝ L

S2/S1 = L2/L1 = 9L1/L1 = 9

Q9. A solid sphere of radius r made of a soft material of bulk modulus K is surrounded by a liquid in
a cylindrical container. A massless piston of the area a floats on the surface of the liquid, covering
an entire cross-section of the cylindrical container. When a mass m is placed on the surface of the
piston to compress the liquid, the fractional decrement in the radius of the sphere is Mg/αAB. Find
the value of α.

a. 4

b. 5

c. 3

d. 2

Ans: (c) 3

Increase in pressure is Δp = Mg/A

Bulk modulus is B = Δp /(ΔV/V)

ΔV/V = Δp / B = Mg/AB——(1)

The volume of the sphere is V = (4/3)πR3

ΔV/V = 3(ΔR/R)

From equation (1) we get

Mg/AB = 3(ΔR/R)

ΔR/R = Mg/3AB

Therefore α = 3

Q10: A steel wire having a radius of 2.0 mm, carrying a load of 4 kg, is hanging from a ceiling. Given
that g = 3.1πm/s2, what will be the tensile stress that would be developed in the wire?

a. 4.8 x 106 N/m2

b. 3.1 x 106 N/m2

c. 6.2 x 106 N/m2

d. 5.2 x 106 N/m2

Ans: (b) 3.1 x 106 N/m2

Tensile stress = Force/Area

Tensile stress = (4)(3.1π)/π(2 x 10-3)2

Tensile stress = 3.1 x 106 Nm-2

Q11: A steel rail of length 5m and area of cross-section 40cm2 is prevented from expanding along
its length while the temperature rises by 100C. If the coefficient of linear expansion and Young’s
modulus of steel is 1.2 x 10-5 K-1 and 2 x 1011 Nm-2 respectively, the force developed in the rail is
approximately

a. 2 x 109 N

b. 3 x 10-5 N

c. 2 x 107 N

d. 1 x 105 N

Ans: (d) 1 x 105 N

A = 40 cm2 = 4 x 10-3 m2

ΔT = 100C

Y = 2 x 1011 Nm-2

α = 1.2 x 10-5 K-1

Force = YAαΔT

Force = (2 x 1011 )(4 x 10-3)(1.2 x 10-5)(10) = 9.6 x 104 N

Force ≈ 1 x 105 N

Q12: If S is the stress and Y is Young’s Modulus of the material of the wire, the energy stored in the
wire per unit volume is

a. 2Y/S

b. S/2Y

c. 2S2Y

d. S2/2Y

Answer: (d) S2/2Y

Young’s modulus, Y = Stress/Strain

⇒ Strain = Stress/Y = S/Y

Energy stored per unit volume = ½ x stress x strain

= Stress x Stress/2Y = S2/2Y (since Young’s modulus, Y = Stress/Strain)

Q12: A wire fixed at the upper end stretches by length / by applying a force 𝑭. The work done in
stretching is
a. F/2I
b. FI
c. 𝟐 𝐅/
d. 𝑭//𝟐

Answer: (d) FI/2

Young's Modulus 𝑌 = 𝐹𝐿/𝐴𝐼

Therefore, 𝐹 = 𝑌𝐴𝐼/𝐿
dW = Fd/= YAl(d/)/L
𝑌𝐴 1
∫ 𝑑𝑊 = ∫ 𝑙𝑑𝑙 = 𝑌𝐴𝑙 2 /2𝐿
𝐿 0
Work done = YAR/2 L
Work done = F//2

Q13: Two wires are made of the same material and have the same volume. However, wire 1 has a
cross-sectional area A and wire 2 has cross-sectional area 3A. If the length of the wire 1 increases
by 𝚫𝒙 on applying force 𝑭, how much force is needed to stretch wire 2 by the same amount?
a. F
b. 𝟒 𝐅
c. 𝟔 𝐅
d. 𝟗 𝐅

Ans: (d) 9 F

For the same material, Young's modulus is the same and it is given that the volume is the same and
the area of the cross-section for the wire 𝐿1 is and that of 𝐿2 is 3 A

𝑉 = 𝑉1 = 𝑉2
𝑉 = 𝐴 × 𝐿1 = 3𝐴 × 𝐿2 ⇒ 𝐿2 = 𝐿1 /3
𝑌 = (𝐹/𝐴)/(Δ𝐿/𝐿)
𝐹1 = 𝑌𝐴(Δ𝐿1 /𝐿1 )
𝐹2 = 𝑌3𝐴(Δ𝐿2 /𝐿2 )

Given Δ𝐿1 = Δ𝐿2 = Δ𝑥 (for the same extension)

𝐹2 = 𝑌3𝐴(Δ𝑥/(𝐿1 /3)) = 9. (𝑌𝐴Δ𝑥/𝐿1 ) = 9𝐹1 = 9𝐹

Q14: A wire elongates by /𝐦𝐦 when a load 𝐖 is hanged from it. If the wire goes over a pulley and
two weighs 𝐖 each is hung at the two ends, the elongation of the wire will be (in 𝐦𝐦 )
a. 𝟏/𝟐
b. 1
c. 2
d. Zero

Ans: (b)

𝑌 = ( Force × 𝐿)/(𝐴 × 𝐼) = 𝑊𝐿/𝐴𝐼

𝐼 = 𝑊𝐿/𝐴𝑌

Due to the arrangement of the pulley, the length of wire is 𝐿/2 on each side and so the elongation
will be 𝐼/2. For both sides, elongation = 1

JEE Advanced
Q15: An elastic string of length 42 cm and cross-section area 10–4 m2 is attached between two pegs
at a distance of 6 mm, as shown in the figure. A particle of mass m is kept at the midpoint of the
string stretched as shown in the figure by 20 cm and released. As the string attains natural length,
the particle attains a speed of 20 m/s. Then young modulus Y of the string is of order.

(A) 𝟏𝟎𝟖
(B) 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟐
(c) 𝟏𝟎𝟔
(D) 𝟏𝟎𝟒

Ans:(c)
Elastic stream energy × volume = kinetic energy
 1 1
Vol × stress × strain = 𝑚𝑣 2
2 2
1 stress 2 1
Vol × . strain = 𝑚𝑣 2
2 strain 2
1 1
= 𝑦( strain )2 𝑣𝑜𝑙 = 𝑚𝑣 2
2 2
𝑚 × 𝑣2
𝑌=
Δℓ 2
𝐴𝐿 ( )
ℓ
𝑌 = [(0.05 × 400 × 0.42)/(0.2)2 × 10−4 ]
𝑌 = 2.1 × 106 N/m2

Q16: A spring with natural length 𝑰𝟎 has a tension 𝑻𝟏 when its length is 𝑰𝟏 , and the tension is 𝑻𝟐
when its length is 𝑰𝟐 . The natural length of spring will be:
𝑻𝟏 𝒍𝟐 −𝑻𝟐 𝒍𝟏
(A)
𝒍𝟏 −𝒍𝟐
𝑻𝟐 𝒍𝟏 −𝑻𝟏 𝒍𝟐
(B) 𝑻 −𝑻
𝟐 𝟏
𝑻𝟐 𝒍𝟐 −𝑻𝟏 𝒍𝟏
(C) 𝑻 −𝑻
𝟏 𝟐
𝑻 𝒍 −𝑻 𝒍
(D) 𝟐𝑻𝟏+𝑻𝟏 𝟐
𝟐 𝟏

Ans:
𝑇2 𝑙1 −𝑇1 𝑙2
(B)
𝑇2 −𝑇1

Let the natural length be 𝐿0

Using hook's law, Y = TL/ AdL, where dL = L − L0
Case 1 : When tension is 𝑇1 length of wire = 𝐿1

𝐿1 − 𝐿0 = 𝑇1 𝐿0 /𝐴𝑌 − − − (1)
Case 2: Tension is 𝑇2 and length of wire = 𝐿2

𝐿2 − 𝐿0 = 𝑇2 𝐿0 /𝐴𝑌 − − − (2)

Dividing both equations :

𝑇2 𝑙1 − 𝑇1 𝑙2
𝑇2 − 𝑇1

Q17: One end of a horizontal thick copper wire of length 𝟐𝑳 and radius 𝟐𝑹 is welded to an end of
another horizontal thin copper wire of length 𝑳 and radius 𝑹. When the arrangement is stretched
by applying forces at two ends, the ratio of the elongation in the thin wire to that in the thick wire
is:
(A) 0.25
(B) 0.50
(C) 2.00
(D) 4.00

Ans: (c) 2.00

Solution:

𝐹
𝑌= 𝐴
𝐴𝑙
𝑙

For thick wire,

𝐹
𝜋(2𝑅)2
𝑌=
Δ𝑙1
2𝑙

For thin wire,

𝐹
𝜋(𝑅)2
𝑌=
ΔΔ2
𝑙
𝐹 𝐹
(𝜋𝑅𝑅)2 𝜋(𝑅)2
=
Δ𝑙1 Δ𝑙2
2𝐿 𝑙
Δ𝑙2 /Δ11 = 2
Q18: Two steel wires having the same length are suspended from a ceiling under the same load. If
the ratio of their energy stored per unit volume is 1:4, the ratio of their diameters is
(A) √⬚𝟐: 𝟏
(B) 𝟏: 𝟐
(c) 𝟐: 𝟏
(D) 𝟏: √⬚𝟐

Ans: (A) √⬚2: 1

Solution:
If force F acts along the length L of the wire of cross-section A, then energy stored in the unit volume
of wire is given by

Energy density = (1/2) stress × strain

= (1/2) × (𝐹/𝐴) × (𝐹/𝐴𝑌)

= (1/2) × (𝐹 2 /𝐴2 𝑌)
= (1/2) × (𝐹 2 × 16/(𝜋𝑑2 )2 𝑌)

If 𝑢1 and 𝑢2 are the densities of the two wires, then

𝑢1 𝑑2 4
=( )
𝑢2 𝑑1
𝑑1 𝑑1
= (4)1/4 ⇒ = √2: 1
𝑑2 𝑑2