Experiment-1

Objective: Determine the Young Modulus of elasticity (Y) of a given wooden beam.
Apparatus: Wooden beam, Vernier Calliper, Meter rule, Weight, Pointer, and clamp.
Theory: The young modulus of a given wooden beam clamped at one end can be obtained by
using the following relation:
𝑴𝒈𝑳𝟑
𝒀=
𝟒𝒅𝒃𝒕𝟑
Where, M= Mass hanged, L = Length of beam, b = Breath of the beam, t = thickness of the beam,
d= The vertical displacement of the free end of the ruler of its unweighted horizontal position, Q
= Position of unloaded beam, g = Acceleration due to gravity (=9.8 m/s2)
Construction and Working: For a piece of wood we can clamp one end to a flat bench and
hang weights off the other end. Due to weight, the ruler sags down, as shown below in the figure.
Such an arrangement is called a cantilever. The top surface of the wooden ruler is stretched just a
little bit, and the bottom surface of the wood is compressed just a little bit, and yet we see quite
measurable sag. Youngs modulus (Y) of the meter rule can be obtained with the help of the given
equation, by measuring the sag i.e, the vertical displacement of the free end of the ruler (d).
Procedure:

1. Clamp the wooden beam to the table, so

that it overhangs the edge of the table.
2. Measure the length (L), breadth (b), and
thickness (t) of the beam.
3. Hang the weight “W” to the free end of
the wooden beam.
4. Note down the corresponding vertical
displacement (d) of the free end of the
beam for the respective masses.
5. Determine the value of “Y” by drawing
graph between ‘d” on the X-axis, and
“M” on the Y-axis using slope value, and
also by using formula to compare the
results.

Observations:

Length of the beam = L = 60 cm = 0.6 m ; Thickness of the beam = t = 5 mm = 5 x 10-3 m

Breath of the beam = b = 25 mm = 25 x 10-3 m ; Position of unloaded beam = Q = 30 cm

Prepared by: Dr. M. M. Abdullah, Department of Physics, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia Page 1
 Position Vertical
of the displacement 𝑀𝑔𝐿3
Mass (M) 𝑌=
beam of the beam, 4𝑑𝑏𝑡 3
(in Kg)
(P) [d = (P-Q)] (in N/m2)
(in cm) (in m)
30.5 – 30 (50 x 10−3 ) x 9.8 x (0.6)3
50 x 10-3 30.5 = 0.5 cm 4 × (0.5 × 10−2 ) × (25 × 10−3 ) × (5 × 10−3 )3
= 0.5 x 10-2 m = 1.7 x 109
100 x 10-3 31 1 x 10-2 m 1.7 x 109

150 x 10-3 31.5 1.5 x 10-2 m 1.7 x 109

200 x 10-3 32 2 x 10-2 m 1.7 x 109

250 x 10-3 32.5 2.5 x 10-2 m 1.7 x 109

Calculation:

1. By formula:
The sum of all “Y”
The average value of “Y” =
5
1.7 × 109 + 1.7 × 109 + 1.7 × 109 + 1.7 × 109 + 1.7 × 109
=
5
= 𝟏. 𝟕 × 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝑵/𝒎𝟐

2. By Graph:

𝑔𝐿3
𝑌= × 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒
4𝑏𝑡 3
9.8 × (0.6)3
= × 10
4 × (25 × 10−3 )×(5 × 10−3 )3

= 1.7 x 109 N/m2

Result: The average value of the young’s modulus of elasticity (Y) of given wooden beam, using

formula and graph are 1.7 x 109 N/m2, and 1.7 x 109 N/m2, respectively.

Precaution: Wear the closed footwear to prevent the foot in case the weight drops onto your
foot. Avoid loading more mass (maximum 1 kg) to prevent wooden beam to become damage.
Prepared by: Dr. M. M. Abdullah, Department of Physics, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia Page 2