Topic Explanation:
Young's Modulus ($Y$) is a mechanical property that measures the tensile or compressive stiffness of a solid material when the force is applied lengthways.
It defines the fundamental relationship between stress (force per unit area) and strain (proportional deformation) in the elastic deformation region of a material.
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We are required to identify which of the given metals/alloys (Copper, Steel, Aluminium, Brass) possesses the highest value of Young's Modulus, representing the greatest elasticity/stiffness.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Young's Modulus is defined as:
\[ Y = \frac{\text{Tensile Stress}}{\text{Tensile Strain}} = \frac{F / A}{\Delta L / L_0} \]
Where:
$F$ = Applied force
$A$ = Cross-sectional area
$\Delta L$ = Change in length
$L_0$ = Original length
A higher value of $Y$ indicates that a larger force is required to produce a given deformation, meaning the material is more elastic in physical terms (more rigid).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Comparison of Approximate Young's Modulus Values:
- Steel: $Y \approx 200 \times 10^9 \text{ N/m}^2 \text{ (or } 200 \text{ GPa)}$
- Copper: $Y \approx 110 \times 10^9 \text{ N/m}^2 \text{ (or } 110 \text{ GPa)}$
- Brass: $Y \approx 100 \times 10^9 \text{ N/m}^2 \text{ (or } 100 \text{ GPa)}$
- Aluminium: $Y \approx 70 \times 10^9 \text{ N/m}^2 \text{ (or } 70 \text{ GPa)}$
• Physical Significance: Steel requires much greater stress to produce the same strain compared to copper, brass, or aluminium ($200 \text{ GPa} > 110 \text{ GPa} > 100 \text{ GPa} > 70 \text{ GPa}$).
• Common Misconception: In physics, steel is considered more elastic than rubber or softer metals because its modulus of elasticity is much higher.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Since Steel has the highest magnitude of Young's modulus among the options ($Y \approx 200 \text{ GPa}$), Option (B) is the correct answer.