14 � Engineering Physics-II

MODULE 2 PROPERTIES OF MATTER

2.1 ELASTICITY

Introduction:
When an external force is applied on a body, which is not free to move, the shape and size of the
body change. The force applied is called deforming force. When the deforming forces are removed,
the body tends to regain its original shape and size due to a force developed within the body. The force
developed within the body, which is equal and opposite to deforming force is called restoring force.
Bodies, which completely regain their original size and shape after the removal of the deforming
force, are called elastic bodies. Bodies which change the shape and size on the application of force and
which do not regain their original condition on removal of the deforming forces are said to be plastic
bodies. Bodies which do not change their shape and size on application of force are called rigid bodies.
The property by virtue of which a body tends to regain its original shape and size after removal of
the deforming force is known as elasticity.
Stress :
When an external force is acting on an elastic body, it causes deformation (change in shape or in
size or both). At the same time, due to elastic property, a force is developed within the material, which
is equal and opposite to the applied force, to bring the body to its original shape and size. This force is
‘restoring force’.
Force F
Stress = =
Area A
The stress is defined as the restoring force acting on unit area.
Since the applied force and the restoring force are equal in magnitude, the ‘stress’ is measured as the
applied force acting per unit area.
The unit for stress is newton metre-2 with symbol N m-2 or 'pascal' with symbol 'Pa'.
When the applied force tends to compress the body, the stress is compressive. When it tends to
increase the length in the direction of the force, it is tensile and when it acts parallel to the surface of a
body, the stress is tangential stress.
Hooke's law:
Within the elastic limits, the strain produced in a body is directly proportional to the stress which
causes it.
i.e., strain ∝ stress
or stress ∝ strain
stress
∴ = a constant
strain
This constant is called 'modulus of elasticity'.
Types of strains:
Strain: Change in dimensions to original dimensions is known as Strain.
 Properties of Matter � 15

(1) Linear Strain:

When a wire or bar is subjected to two equal and opposite forces, namely pulls, at its ends, there is
an increase in the length. If the forces are tensile, the body is elongated. If the forces are compressive,
the length is shortened in the direction of the forces. This is called the 'linear strain'.
The linear strain is defined as the ratio of change in length to the original length. If the change
(increase or decrease) in length is ' l ' in a wire or bar of original length L,
As the linear strain is ratio of lengths, it has no unit.

Change in length l
linear strain = =
original length L
(2) Bulk (or) Volume Strain:
When a force is applied uniformly and normally to the entire surface of the body, there is a change
in volume of the body, without any change in its shape. This strain is called 'bulk or volume strain'.
Volume strain is defined as the ratio of change in volume to the original volume. It has also no unit.
If 'v' is the change in volume produced in a body of original volume ‘V’,
Change in volume v
bulk or volume strain = =
original volume V
(3) Shearing (or) Rigidity strain:
When a force is applied parallel to one face of a body, the opposite side being fixed, there is a change
in shape but not in size of the body. This strain is called the shearing strain.
Solids alone can have a shearing strain. It is measured by the angle of the shear 'θ' in radian.
Three modulii of elasticity
There are three types of modulii depending upon the three kinds of strain.
(a) Young's modulus (E):
It is defined as the ratio of linear stress to linear strain.
Let a wire of initial length L and cross-sectional area ' A', undergo an extension l, when a stretching
force 'F', is applied in the direction of its length.
The modulus of elasticity, in this case, is called Young's modulus and is given by
Linear stress
i.e., Young's modulus ( E ) =
Linear strain
F
Then, longitudinal or linear stress = A A
L
l I
and longitudinal strain =
L
F
Linear stress F / A F.L
E= = =
Linear strain l / L A.l

The unit for Young’s modulus is newton metre-2 with symbol N m-2. The single term unit which is
widely used for Young's modulus is 'pascal' with symbol 'Pa'.
(b) Bulk (or) Volume modulus (k):
It is defined as the ratio of bulk stress to bulk strain.
16 � Engineering Physics-II

When a body is subjected to a uniform compressive force, its volume decreases and the strain
produced is a bulk or volume strain.
If 'v' is the change in volume and V is the original volume, then
If F is the total compressive force acting on a total area A, then bulk stress = F/A = P
Bulk stress
Bulk modulus (k) = Bulk strain

If P is the stress applied i.e. (force/unit area) then,

v
bulk strain =
V
P P.V
bulk modulus k = =
v/V v
The unit for bulk modulus is 'newton metre-2' with symbol N m-2. The single term unit which is
widely used for bulk modulus is 'pascal' with symbol 'Pa'.
(c) Shearing (or) Rigidity modulus 'n':
The ratio of the shearing stress applied to the body to the shearing strain produced is called the
rigidity modulus and denoted by the letter 'n'.
If T is the tangential force/unit area and if θ is the angle of shear measured in radian, then
T F
rigidity modulus n = =
θ Aθ

The unit for rigidity modulus is 'newton metre-2 radian-1' with symbol N m-2 rad-1. The other unit
which is widely used for rigidity modulus is 'pascal radian-1' with symbol 'Pa rad-1'.
Poisson's ratio: σ
When a tensile stress is applied to a wire, the wire undergoes not only an extension of length in the
direction of the force but also a contraction in its thickness. The ratio of decrease in thickness to the
original thickness in lateral direction is known as lateral contraction.
The ratio of lateral contraction to linear elongation is called Poisson's ratio.
Lateral contraction
Poisson ' s ratio σ = Linear elongation
Bending of beams:
A beam is a body having uniform cross section, the length of which is very large compared to its
thickness. When such a beam is fixed at one end and loaded at the other end, it is called a cantilever.
A beam is supported symmetrically on two knife edges A and B at the same level. It is loaded
symmetrically with two equal weights W, W, beyond the knife edges, at C and D, so that AC=BD=a.
Now the beam is elevated at the centre. This type of bending is called uniform bending of beam.
A beam is supported symmetrically on two knife edges A and B near its ends in a horizontal level.
A weight hanger W is suspended by means of a loop of thread from a point which is exactly midway
between the two knife edges. Now the beam is depressed at the centre. This type of bending is called
non-uniform bending of beam.
 Properties of Matter � 17

Experiment to determine the Young's modulus of the material of a beam by uniform

bending method:
Mg Mg
a a

C l D
A B

Mg Mg

The given bar is supported symmetrically on two knife edges in a horizontal level, so that a quarter
of the bar projects beyond each knife edge. Two weight hangers are suspended from two loops of string
tightly attached at distances about 5 cm from each end so that their distances from the knife edges are
equal. A pin is fixed vertically at the midpoint of the bar. A traveling microscope is focused on the pin
such that the horizontal crosswire coincides with the tip of the pin. The reading in the vertical scale of
the microscope is noted. Weights are added in steps of M kg and the corresponding readings of the image
of the pin in the microscope are noted. Similarly readings are taken while unloading and tabulated.
The mean elevation y is found for a load of M kg. The distance 'I' between the knife edges is
measured. The distance 'a' between the point of suspension of the weight and the nearest knife edge is
also measured. The breadth 'b' of the bar found accurately with the vernier calipers and its thickness
d is found with a screw gauge. Young's modulus is calculated using the formula.
3Mgal2
E= Nm–2
2bd 3 y

Microscope reading
Load in Elevation y
Load Load
Kg Mean For M kg
increasing decreasing
x

x+M

x+2M

x+3M

Worked examples
1. A load of 5 kg is attached to the free end of a wire of length 2 m and diameter 0.6 mm. If
the extension of the wire is 0.2 mm, calculate the Young's modulus of the material of the wire.
(g = 9.8 ms-2)
Length of the wire L = 2 m
Extension of the wire I = 0.2 mm = 0.2 × 10-3 m
Force acting of the wire F = 5kgf = 5 × 9.8 N
Diameter of the wire d = 0. 6 mm = 0.6 × 10-3 m
Radius of the wire =0.3 × 10-3 m
Area of cross section of the wire a = π r2 = π (3 × 10-4)2 m2
Young's modulus = Linear stress/Linear strain
F 5 × 9.8
Linear stress = = 1.734 × 108 Nm-2
A p (3 × 10−4 ) 2
18 � Engineering Physics-II

l 2 × 10−4
Linear strain = = 1 × 10–4
L
2
1.734 × 108
= = 1.734 × 1012 Nm–2
1 × 10−4
2. A copper wire of 3 m length and 1 mm diameter is subjected to a tension of 5 kg wt. Calculate the
elongation produced in the wire, if Young's modulus of elasticity of copper is 120 G Pa.
F/A
Young' s modulus E = l / L

FL
E = Al

FL
Elongation produced l = AE

MgL 5 × 9.8 × 3
= = = 1.562 × 10–3m
pr × E 3.14 (0.5 × 10−3 ) 2 × 120 × 109
2

3. What is the force required to a steel wire to double its length when its area of cross-section is one
sq. cm and Young's modulus is 200 G Pa. As the length of the wire is doubled, the change in length
is equal to its original length.
FL
The young' s modulus E =
AI
EAI
F=
L
EAL
=
L
If L is the original length, then l= L
F = EA
= 200 × 109 × 10-4
= 2 × 107 N
2.2 VISCOSITY
Let us consider a liquid flowing over a horizontal surface. The layer in contact with the surface is at
rest. The top most layer have the maximum velocity. The intermediate layers have intermediate velocity.
To maintain this relative motion of the layers, an external force must be acting on the liquid. Otherwise
the liquid will come to rest due to internal frictional forces acting between the layers of the liquid. These
internal frictional forces that bring the liquid to rest are known as viscous force and this property is
known as viscosity.
The property by virtue of which the relative motion between the layers of a liquid is maintained is
called viscosity. We can also say viscosity is the resistance to flow.
Coefficient of viscosity of a liquid
Let F be the viscous force acting between two layers of a liquid separated by a distance dx. Let dv be
the difference in velocity between the two layers. Let A be the area of the layers. The velocity gradient
dv/dx acts perpendicular to direction of flow of the liquid.
 Properties of Matter � 19

The viscous force F is found to be directly proportional to

i. the area of the layers 'A’
dv
ii. the velocity gradient
dx
Adv
Fα
dx
η Adv
F=
dx
dv
If A = 1and =1, then F = η
dx
Where η is constant, called Coefficient of viscosity of the liquid
Coefficient of viscosity of a liquid is defined as the viscous force acting between two layers of a
liquid having unit area of layers and unit velocity gradient normal to the direction of flow of the liquid.

A
V+dv
dx F
V

SI unit of η:
F
η= Substituting the respective units of the quantities
A dv / dx
on the R.H.S,

N
The unit of coefficient of viscosity η = m 2 .ms −1 / m

= Nsm-2

Dimensional formula of η:

F
η = A dv / dx Substituting the respective dimentional formula of the quantities on the R.H.S,

MLT −2
The dimensional formula of coefficient of viscosity η =
L2 .LT −1 / L
= ML-1T-1
Stream line flow (laminar flow) and turbulent flow:
To maintain the flow of a liquid through a tube, some pressure should be given at one end of the
tube to overcome the viscous drag. For a given external pressure, the velocity of flow depends on the
coefficient of viscosity. At low pressure the velocity is less than a certain velocity called the critical
velocity and the liquid flows in an orderly manner and the flow is called steady flow or streamline
flow.
In stream line flow,
1. The liquid particles flow in an orderly manner. i.e., the liquid particles flow along straight lines,
each line is called the line of flow.
2. The lines of flow are parallel to the axis of the tube.
20 � Engineering Physics-II

3. The velocity of all particles in a line of flow is a constant.

4. The velocity of flow is always less than the critical velocity.
5. Stream line flow will happen only when the driving pressure is small.
6. The flow of water through a capillary tube at the rate of 5 to 6 drops per minute is an example for
stream line flow.
When the external pressure causing the flow of the liquid is high, the flow of the liquid is said to be
turbulent.
In turbulent flow,
1. There is no orderliness in the flow of liquid.
2. The liquid particles will not flow along straight lines, but will flow in curved paths in a zig-zag
manner.
3. The different particles of the liquid will flow in different directions with different velocities.
4. The velocity of flow is always greater than the critical velocity.
5. Turbulent flow will happen when the driving pressure is high.
6. The flow of water from a tap is an example for turbulent flow.
Distinction between streamline motion and turbulent motion
Critical velocity:
When the external pressure driving the flow of liquid increases slowly, the velocity of flow of liquid
will also increase gradually. At a particular velocity the flow of liquid will change from laminar flow to
turbulent flow. This velocity is called critical velocity. In other word the critical velocity is defined as the
velocity at which the streamline flow ceases out and the turbulent flow sets in.
Sl. No. Stream line motion Turbulent motion
1 Flow of liquid is orderly. Flow of liquid is zigzag and random.
2 At any point along a straight line paral- Velocity varies along the straight line
lel to the axis of the tube, velocity is con- parallel to the ais of the tube.
stant
3. Velocity is proportional to the pressure. Velocity is proportional to the square
root of pressure
4. Velocity will always be less than critical Velocity will always be greater than
velocity critical velocity.

Reynolds number:
Reynolds number is a pure number, which determines the type of flow of a liquid, whether a
streamline flow or a turbulent flow through a cylindrical pipe. It has no units and dimensions. It is given
by the expression
where V is velocity of the liquid, ρ is the density of the liquid, η is the coefficient of viscosity of
the liquid and D is the diameter of the pipe. This equation is applicable only for liquids flowing through
cylindrical pipe.
VrD
R=
η
Experiments show that the flow of a viscous liquid is laminar or streamlined, if Reynolds number is
less than 2000. The flow of a viscous liquid is turbulent if Reynolds number is more than 2800. Between
2000 and 2800 there is a transition region in which the flow may change from streamline to turbulent.
Narrow tubes and highly viscous liquids tend to promote streamline motion, while wider tubes and
liquids of low viscosity leads to turbulence.
 Properties of Matter � 21

Experiment to determine comparison of coefficient of viscosity of two liquid- Capillary

flow method.
Aim:
To compare the coefficient of viscosity of two given liquids by capillary flow method,.
Formula:
The comparion of coefficient of viscosity
η1 / η 2 = ρ1 / ρ2 × t1 / t2
η 1 = coefficient of viscosity of first liquid
η 2 = coefficient of viscosity of second liquid
ρ 1 = Density of the first liquid
ρ 2 = Density of the second liquid

0
5
10
15
20
BURETTE

25
30
Capillary
35 Tube

Description:
The graduated burette without stopper is mounted vertically in the stand. A rubber tube is connected
to the bottom of the burette. To the other end of the tube, a capillary tube is inserted and placed in a
perfectly horizontal position.
Procedure:
The burette is cleaned and filled with one of the liquids using a funnel. Adjust the tube till the
liquid through the tube comes out drop by drop. . A stop clock is started when the liquid level reaches
0 c c and time taken for every 5 c c from 5,10, 15,20..till 50 c c, is noted .The burette and the tube are
cleaned,rinsed and filled with the second liquid The time taken to cross the every consecutive 5 ml is
noted. The reading are tabulated .The time taken for the t1 and t2 are noted. The mean value of t1 / t2 is
calculated
Burette reading Time (S)
t1 / t2
(cc) Iquid-I(t1) Iquid-II (t2)
0-5
5-10
-
-
-
45-50.

Mean
22 � Engineering Physics-II

Terminal velocity
When a small metallic sphere is gently placed on the surface of a highly viscous liquid it descends
down with an acceleration. As its velocity increases, the viscous force opposing the motion of the sphere
also increases.
At some stage the apparent weight of the sphere becomes equal to the force due to viscous drag.
So the resultant force on the sphere is zero. Therefore the sphere moves down with a constant velocity
known as terminal velocity.
Terminal velocity is that velocity at which the apparent weight of the sphere is equal to the viscous
force acting on the sphere moving in a high viscous liquid.
Experimental determination of the coefficient of viscosity of a high viscous liquid by
Stokes' method:
Aim:
To determine the coefficient of viscosity of highly viscous liquid
(Castor oil) by Stokes' method.
Formula:
The coefficient of viscosity of the highly viscous liquid
2 (r − s) g (r 2 t)
η=
9 h
where
ρ = the density of the material of the solid sphere (glass beads)
σ = the density of the liquid (castor oil)
A
g = the acceleration due to gravity B
r = the radius of the glass beads 3h
C
t = the time taken by the solid sphere to travel the marked distance h, inside the high D
viscous liquid.
h = the distance between the marks B and C

Description:
The pure, transparent, highly viscous liquid (castor oil) is taken in the tall glass jar. On the outer
surface of the jar, two markings B and C or C and D are made at a distance of say 50 cm. The marking
B should be well below the free surface of the liquid. Then only the sphere can attain terminal velocity
when travelling from B to C or C to D.
Procedure:
First the least count, zero error and zero correction of screw gauge are determined. Then using the
screw gauge, the diameters of the given glass beads are measured. The radii of the beads are calculated.
Values of r and s are taken from standard tables.
The sphere is placed gently on the surface of the highly viscous liquid and dropped. When it crosses
the marking B, a stop clock is started and when it crosses the marking C, the clock is stopped. The time
taken (t) to travel by the sphere from B to C is recorded in the tabular column. The distance between B
and C is noted as 'h'. The same procedure is repeated for all the given spheres. Then the coefficient of
viscosity of highly viscous liquid (castor oil) is calculated, using the formula.
 Properties of Matter � 23

Tabular column:
To find r2t
Glass beads Radius (r) Radius2 (r2) Time taken (t) r2t
Unit mm mm 2
s mm2s
Bead 1
Bead 2
Bead 3

The average of r2t = mm2s
= × 10-6 m2s
Applications of viscosity
To reduce friction between the two moving surfaces which are in contact, a drop or two of some oil
is introduced between the two contact surfaces. The oil enters into the depressions in the contact surfaces
and form a thin layer so that direct contact between the surfaces is prevented. Now, the viscous force of
the oil in between the surfaces (lubricant) reduces the friction between the two moving surfaces because
the fluid friction is always less than the friction between the solid surfaces. However a good viscous
lubricant can only reduce friction, but cannot completely eliminate the friction.
Generally, for high speeds and low pressures, highly viscous oils such as Mobil oil, grease, etc. are
used. For low speeds, oils of lower viscosity are used. It may be interesting to note that air also acts as a
sort of lubricant in reducing friction. The friction between two metallic surfaces in vacuum is found to
be greater than that in air.
2.3 SURFACE TENSION
Introduction
The free surface of a liquid at rest behaves like a stretched elastic membrane with a tendency to
contract in area. The following simple experiments will illustrate this property.
1. When a camel hairbrush is dipped into water, the hairs remain spread out. When the brush is
taken out, the hairs cling together on account of the films of water between them contracting.
2. A film of the soap solution is formed in a wire ring. If a wetted loop of thread is gently placed
on the film, the film is unaffected and the thread remains in any form in which it is placed on the
film. But if the film is pricked inside the loop, the film outside contracts on all sides and hence
the circular loop is formed. The area of the film is reduced to a minimum.
The above examples show that a force acts on the surface of liquid to reduce the surface area to a
minimum. This force is known as surface tension.
A water drop takes the spherical shape because for a given volume, sphere has the minimum surface
area. This is due to surface tension.
Surface tension
Surface tension is the force acting on unit length of an imaginary line drawn on the free surface of a
liquid, the force acting normal to the line and parallel to the surface. The unit of surface tension is Nm-1
and its dimension is MT-2
Angle of contact
The angle of contact is the angle by which the tangent drawn to the liquid surface at the point of
contact with the solid, makes with the surface of the solid, the angle being measured within the liquid.
For liquids like water and kerosene which spread on glass, the angle of contact θ = 0°. In the case
of mercury and clean glass, the angle of contact θ = 137°. For ordinary water and glass, the angle of
contact θ = 8°.
24 � Engineering Physics-II

When a glass rod is dipped vertically in water, which wets the glass, the water is drawn up around
the glass rod at all points of contact. Here, the angle of contact is acute. When a glass rod is dipped
vertically in mercury, which does not wet the glass, the liquid is depressed around the glass rod at all
points of contact. Here, the angle of contact is obtuse.
Expression for the surface tension by capillary rise:

T Cosq T Cosq
B D
θ θ
R=T R=T

T Sinθ T Sinθ
C

T T h

Let a capillary tube of uniform radius (r) be dipped vertically into a liquid of density ρ taken in a
beaker. Let the liquid rises through a height (h) in the capillary tube. Let θ be the angle of contact with
glass and T be the surface tension of the liquid. The surface tension is acting tangential to the liquid
surface. The reaction R=T, offered by the walls of tube acts at an angle θ to the verticals. This reaction
T along AB can be resolved vertically as Tcosθ and horizontally as Tsinθ. Similarly the reaction T along
CD can also be resolved along the horizontal and vertical directions. The horizontal components along
the circumference are equal and opposite in direction. So they get cancelled. So the total force due to
surface tension is only due to vertical components.
The total upward force acting through the length of the meniscus 2πr
= 2 π r. T cosθ
This force balances the weight of the liquid column of height h and radius r.
The weight of the liquid column = π r2h ρ g
2πrTcosθ = πr²hρg
hrrg
T =
2cos θ
In the case of water θ = 0° and hence cosθ = 1
Hence for water, Surface tension
hrrg
T=
2
Experimental determination of the surface tension of water by capillary rise method.

h2

h1
 Properties of Matter � 25

A capillary tube of uniform cross sectional area is first cleaned with dilute acid and washed with
distilled water and dried. It is then clamped vertically with one end inside the water taken in a beaker.
Due to surface tension, water rises to a definite height in the tube. A pointer is attached to the capillary
tube such that it just touches the surface of the water in the beaker.
Using a travelling microscope the reading in the vertical scale corresponding to the lower meniscus
of the water in the tube is taken. The beaker is removed and the microscope is brought down and the
reading corresponding to the tip of the pointer is taken. The difference between the two readings gives
the height of the capillary rise of water 'h' in the capillary tube. The diameter and hence the radius 'r' of
the capillary tube is also determined with the help of microscope. If ρ is the density of water and g, the
acceleration due to gravity, then surface tension of water,
hrrg
T=
2
Applications of capillarity:
1. Lubricating oil spread easily on all parts because of their low surface tension.
2. Cotton dresses are preferred in summer because cotton dresses have fine pores which act as
capillaries for sweat.
3. Dirt get removed when detergents are added while washing clothes because surface tension of
water is reduced.
4. The absorption of ink by a blotting paper is due to capillary action, as the blotting paper is
porous. When it is placed over the ink, the ink raises into the pores. Also rise of oil in the wick
of a lamp is due to capillary action.
5. If one end of a towel is dipped into a bucket of water and the other end hangs over the bucket,
the entire towel soon becomes wet due to capillary action.
6. The supply of water to the leaves at the top of even a tall tree is through capillary rise.
7. A fabric can be waterproof, by adding suitable waterproofing materials to the fabric. This
addition increases the angle of contact, thereby making the fabric waterproof.
Worked examples
1. A capillary tube of diameter 0.5 mm is dipped into a liquid vertically and the liquid rises to a
height of 6 cm. If the density of the liquid is 1000 kgm-3, calculate the value of surface
tension of the liquid. (g =9.81ms-2)
Diameter of the capillary tube 2r = 0.5 mm
Radius of the capillary tube r = 0.25 x 10-3 m
Rise of liquid in the tube h = 6 cm = 6 x 10-2 m
Density of the liquid ρ = 1000kg m-3
Liquid being water, angle of contact θ = 0°

hrgr
Surface tension of the liquid T =
2cos θ
6 × 10−2 × 1000 × 9.81 × 0.25 × 10−3
2cos θ
T = 72. 5 x 10-3 Nm-1
26 � Engineering Physics-II

2. Calculate the diameter of a capillary tube in which a liquid rises 2.34 × 10-2 m. Surface tension
of the liquid is 25 × 10-3 Nm-1. Relative density of the liquid is 0.79. Angle of contact = 11°12'.
(g = 9.81ms-2)
Relative density of the liquid = 0.79
Density of the liquid ρ = 0.79 × 103 kgm-3
Diameter of the tube = 2r = 5.41 × 10-4 m
hrgr
We know T =
2cos θ
2T cos θ
r = hrg
2 × 25 × 10−3 Cos11012'
= 2.34 × 10−2 × 0.79 × 103 × 9.81 = 2.705 × 10 m
-4

3. A liquid of density 1000 kgm-3 is taken in a beaker. A capillary tube of diameter 1.0 mm is
dipped vertically in it. Calculate the rise of liquid in the tube. Surface tension of the liquid is
72 × 10-3Nm-1.
For water, angle of contact θ = 0°
Surface tension T =72 x 10-3 Nm-1
Diameter of the capillary tube 2r = 1 mm
Radius of the capillary tube r = 0.5 × 10-3 m
h = 2.939 × 10-2 m
2T cos θ
Rise of liquid in the tube h =
rrg
2 × 72 × 10−3 Cos00
h = 0.5 × 10−3 × 1000 × 9.8 = 2.939 × 10-2 m

4. A capillary tube of internal diameter 0.5 mm is dipped into a liquid of density 1140 kgm-3. The
liquid rises to a height of 2.6 cm in the capillary tube. If the angle of contact of liquid with glass
is 55°, calculate the surface tension of the liquid.
Diameter of the capillary tube = 0.6 mm
Radius of the capillary tube r = 0.3 x 10-3 m
Density of the liquid, ρ = 1140 kg m-3
Height through which liquid rises h = 2.6 x 10-2 m
Angle of contact, θ = 55°
hrgr
Surface tension of the liquid T =
2cos θ
2.6 × 10−2 × 0.3 × 10−3 × 1140 × 9.8
T =
2 cos 550
T = 75.96 × 10-3 Nm-1
 Properties of Matter � 27

QUESTIONS
Part -A and Part- B
1. Define stress
2. Define strain
3. Which is more elastic, rubber or steel and why?
4. What is elastic limit and plastic limit?
5. Define elastic body and plastic body.
6. What are the three modulii of elasticity?
7. Define (i) linear strain (ii) bulk strain and (iii) shearing strain.
8. Write the statement of Hooke's law.
9. Define Modulus of elasticity
10. Define (i) Young's modulus (ii) Bulk modulus and (iii) Rigidity modulus.
11. Define Poisson's ratio.
12. What is uniform bending of a beam?
13. What is non uniform bending of a beam?
14. Define coefficient of viscosity.
15. Derive the dimensional formula and the SI unit for the coefficient of viscosity.
16. What is stream line motion?
17. What is turbulent motion?
18. What is Reynolds number?
19. What is critical velocity?
20. What is terminal velocity?
21. Write the application of viscosity.
22. Derive the S.I. unit and the dimensional formula of surface tension.
23. What is the effect of surface tension on the surface area of liquids?
24. The droplet of rain is spherical. Why?
25. How do insects run on the surface of water?
26. Define surface tension of a liquid.
27. Define angle of contact.
28. Write any two applications of capillarity.
29. What are uniform bending of beams.
30. What are non-uniform bending of beams
31. Explain young’s modulus
32. Explain Bulk modulus
33. Explain Rigidity modulus
34. Explain stream line motion
35. Explain turbulent motion
28 � Engineering Physics-II

Part - C
1. Explain three types of modulus
2. Describe an experiment to determine the Young's modulus of the material of a bar by bending it
uniformly.
3. Distinguish between stream line and turbulent motion.
4. Describe an experiment to determine the comparission of coefficient of viscosity of two viscous
liquid by capillary flow method.
5. Describe Stokes' method of determining the coefficient of viscosity of a transparent, high viscous
liquid.
6. Derive an expression for the surface tension of a liquid in the case of the capillary rise.
7. Describe an experiment to determine the surface tension of water by capillary rise method.
8. List the various applications of capillarity.
Exercise Problems
1. The length of a wire increases from 1.25 m to 1.2508 m when a load of 12 kg is suspended. The
radius of the wire is 0.5 mm. Find the stress, strain and young's modulus of material of the wire.
Ans: (149.7 × 106 Nm-2, 6.4 x 10-4, 23.4 × 1010 Nm-2
2. What load in kilogram must be applied to a steel wire of length 1m and diameter 0.05 cm to produce
an extension of 1 cm. The Young's modulus of steel = 2 × 1011. Pa.
Ans: 40 kg
3. A wire 10m long of area of cross section 1.22cm elongates by 1.5 cm when 4.5 kg is
2

suspended from it. Find the (i) stress (ii) strain and (iii) young's modulus of the wire. (g = 9.8m s-2)
Ans: (i) 3.528 × 105Nm-2 (ii) 0.0015 (iii) 2.352 × 108 Nm-2
4. A body of mass 5kg is suspended by means of a steel wire of length 1 m and diameter 1mm. The
Young's modulus of steel is 21 × 1010 Nm-2, calculate the elongation of the wire.
Ans: l = 2.97 × 10-4 m
5. A uniform metal bar, one metre long, is placed symmetrically on two knife-edges separated by
a distance of 64.2 cm. When two equal weights of 0.5 kg each are suspended from points 5cm
from the two ends respectively, the mid-point of the bar is elevated by 0.76 mm. Calculate the
Young's modulus of the material of the bar if the width of the bar is 2.2 cm and its thickness
0.62 cm.
Ans: 9.81 × 1010 Nm-2
6. Calculate the surface tension of water if it rises to a height of 4.2cm in a capillary tube dipped verti-
cally in it. Radius of the capillary tube is 3.5 × 10-4 m.
Ans: 72.03 × 10-3 Nm-1
7. A capillary tube of diameter 0.5 m is dipped into a liquid vertically and the liquid rises to a height
of 4.4 cm. If the density of the liquid is 1000 kg m-3, calculate the value of the surface tension of the
liquid.
8. A capillary tube of bore 0.84 mm in dipped into a liquid of density 840 kgm-3 and surface tension
0.049 Nm-1. Find the rise of the liquid in the tube.
 Properties of Matter � 29

Brain teasers
1. A wire of diameter 2.5 mm is stretched by force of 980 N. If the Young's modulus of the material
of the wire is 12.5 × 1010 Nm-2.Find the percentage increase in the length of the wire.
2. Two wires are made of same material. The length of the first wire is half of the second wire and
its diameter is double that of the second wire. If equal loads are applied on both the wires find
the ratio of increase in their lengths.
3. The diameter of a brass rod is 4 mm. Calculate the stress and strain when it is stretched by 0.25%
of its length. Find the force exerted (E = 9.2 × 1010 Nm-2 for brass)
Module Authors:

Dr.K.RAJESEKAR, M.Sc., Phd., THIRU S.NAGARAJAN, M.Sc.,

Lecturer (UG)/ Physics HOD(UG)/ Physics

References:

PHYSICS for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, Seven Edition
Raymond A. Serway and John W. Jewett, Jr.
2008 Thomson Learning, Inc.

Engineering Mechanics Statics, Fifth Edition, J. L. Meriam and L. G. Kraige, 2002