Two wires of equal cross section, but one made up of steel and the other copper are joined end to end. When the combination is kept under tension, the elongations in the two wires are found to be equal. If (Y for steel = $2.0\times 10^{11}\,Nm^{-2}$ and $Y for copper = 1.1 \times 10^{11}\,Nm^{-2}$, the ratio of the lengths of the two wires is
Mechanical properties of solids intricate the characteristics such as the resistance to deformation and their strength. Strength is the ability of an object to resist the applied stress, to what extent can it bear the stress.
Therefore, some of the mechanical properties of solids involve:
Elasticity: When an object is stretched, it changes its shape and when we leave, it retrieves its shape. Or we can say it is the property of retrieving the original shape once the external force is removed. For example Spring
Plasticity: When an object changes its shape and never attains its original shape even when an external force is removed. It is the permanent deformation property. For example Plastic materials.
Ductility: When an object is been pulled in thin sheets, wires or plates, it will be assumed that it has ductile properties. It is the property of drawing into thin wires/sheets/plates. For example Gold or Silver
Strength: The ability to hold out applied stress without failure. Many types of objects have higher strength than others.