Stretching Wires

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In this activity, learners determine the elastic and plastic properties of different types of metal wires. Learners discover that wires of the same gauge, but made of different metals, typically support different loads (masses) before going through the elastic to plastic transition. Learners also learn the difference between elastic deformation, which is recoverable after the load is removed, and plastic deformation, which is not recoverable. Note: one way to save time on this lab is to have different groups test different metals.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 15 to 20 cm long pieces of 16 or 18 gauge wire of copper, aluminum, steel, etc. (If you did the "Making Metals Strong" activity, you can also test the wires that you saved from that activity.)
  • Ring stand
  • Adjustable single-burette clamp
  • Meter stick
  • Small paper cup (a 1-oz paper cup works well)
  • Variable masses (lead shot or small ring-washers)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation Education and Human Resource Directorate, ESI 92-53386
  • National Science Foundation Center for Advanced Cement Based Materials
  • Dow Chemical Foundation
  • Materials Research Society
  • Iron and Steel Society
  • Peoria Chapter of the American Society for Metals