Question:

Young's modulus is higher for which of the following?

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Order of Young's Modulus for common metals:
Steel ($200 \text{ GPa}$) > Copper ($110 \text{ GPa}$) > Brass ($100 \text{ GPa}$) > Aluminium ($70 \text{ GPa}$).
Higher Young's modulus means the material resists deformation more strongly.
Updated On: Jul 28, 2026
  • Copper
  • Steel
  • Aluminium
  • Brass
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

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.
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