Name: Jonathan Bridgemohan Date:23/02/2023
TITLE: Young Modulus of Wood
PROBLEM STATEMENT: A student wishes to determine the Young modulus, E, of wood
from the period of oscillation of a loaded wooden rule. An equation relating the period of
3
2 kl
oscillation T to the overhanging length l of the rule is T =
E
The constant K is given by:
2
16 M π
K= 3
wd
Hypothesis: The Young’s Modulus of the ruler will be inversely proportional to the Period of
oscillation which will be proportional to the length
AIM: 1 . To find the Young Modulus of a wooden ruler.
2. To investigate how the Period of oscillations changes with L.
APPARATUS: Wooden metre rule, mass, elastic band, G-clamp, block of wood, vernier
calliper, stopwatch, fiducial marker
DIAGRAM:
METHOD:
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram.
2. Measure the cantilever distance L, from the centre of the mass to the edge of
the blocks of wood.
3. Hold the ruler at an oscillation distance of 5 cm vertically using the fiducial
marker
4. Allow the ruler to begin vibrating up and down.
5. Use the stopwatch to measure the time it takes for the ruler to oscillate 10 times
6. Divide the time found by 10, to find the period.
7. Adjust the cantilever length L, 5 more times and repeat the preceding steps for
each L value.
8. Using the Vernier Calliper, measure the width and thickness of the ruler, record
them as b and d respectively.
9. Tabulate the values found
Name: Jonathan Bridgemohan Date:23/02/2023
10. Calculate the values of T 2∧L3and plot a graph of T 2 vs L3 .
THEORY:
The Young's modulus (also known as the modulus of elasticity) is a measure of
the stiffness of a material. It is defined as the ratio of stress (force per unit area)
to strain (change in length per unit length) in a material under longitudinal
tension or compression. The Young's modulus is denoted by the symbol E and
has units of pascals (Pa) or newtons per square meter (N/m²).
Stress
E= Strain
Given that both Stress and Strain were not found in this experiment, Young
Modulus cannot directly be found. However, there is a way to indirectly
estimate the Young's modulus of a thin beam or rod by measuring its period of
oscillation and its dimensions. This method is known as the bending or flexural
vibration method and assumes that the beam behaves like a simple harmonic
oscillator.
Using the graph found of T 2 vs L3, we can find the Young modulus
with the findings from the experiment.
16 π M
2
We use the formula E= 3 to find Young Modulus.
Wd m
16π 2
M
Where the gradient, m can be used to solve the equation 3
bd m
This experiment also incorporates Harmonic Motion, which is
experienced when it’s acceleration is directed towards a fixed
point in it’s path and is directly proportional to it’s distance
from that point. In this case the wooden ruler describes
harmonic motion about it’s equilibrium position oscillating back
and forward until it’s energy is dispersed and it comes to rest.
In Theory, the longer the Length AB is, the longer the period of
time is.
Name: Jonathan Bridgemohan Date:23/02/2023
By the formula T ∝ L,
Where T is time and L is the distance AB.
Variables:
Manipulated: Length of cantilever
Responding: Period of oscillations
Constant: Mass attached to the end
Expected Results:
Table 1
L/m T 10 1 T 10 2 T avg Period/T T
2
L
3
Mass=
Width
W1 W2 W3
Thickness
d1 d2 d3
Treatment of Results:
From the graph of T 2 vs L3 and the b and d values, we can find Young Modulus
16 π M2
Recall: E=
Wd 3 m
∴
Through substitution with the gradient of the graph, m we can now Solve for E
Name: Jonathan Bridgemohan Date:23/02/2023
Assumptions:
The ruler is homogeneous
The ruler is uniform
Limitations:
1. Due to the quick motions of the ruler, it may be possible to be inaccurate
in taking the measurements
2. The ruler may be deformed from previous use
Precautions:
1. Start the stopwatch after 3 oscillations to reduce reaction time
2. The ruler dimensions b and d should be measured horizontally to get
accurate measurements.
