Young’s Modulus and Bulk Modulus: Comparing Elastic Moduli
by Yuvi K - December 21, 2023
Introduction to Elasticity
Elasticity is a fundamental concept in mechanics that helps in understanding the behavior of materials. It is the ability of a material to become shorter or longer when force is applied to it. This is measured by two important elastic moduli—Young’s modulus and bulk modulus.
What is Young’s Modulus?
Young’s modulus (यंग की मॉड्यूलस) is the ratio of stress and strain in a material that is subjected to an external force. It is a form of elasticity that is defined as the ratio of the change in the length between the two states (relaxed and stressed) when a force is applied. It is measured in units of pressure/volumetric strain such as pascals per meter (Pa/m).
The value of Young’s modulus for a particular material is determined by the forces and bonds that hold it together. It is an important characteristic of a material, as it determines how strong it is when subjected to a given force.
What is Bulk Modulus?
Bulk modulus (कुल मॉड्यूलस) is also a measure of elasticity, but it measures the resistance of a material to compression. It is defined as the ratio of the pressure applied to the fractional change in volume.
It is measured in units of pressure/volumetric strain such as pascals per meter (Pa/m). This value is used to determine how a material behaves under compression or when a force is applied to it.
Comparing Young’s modulus and Bulk Modulus
Young’s modulus and bulk modulus are two parameters that are used to characterize a material’s elasticity. Although they both measure how a material reacts when force is applied, they do so in different ways.
Young’s Modulus measures how a material will stretch when a force is applied. Bulk Modulus measures how a material will compress when a force is applied.
Table 1: Comparing Young’s Modulus and Bulk Modulus
| Young’s Modulus | Bulk Modulus | |
|---|---|---|
| Units | Pressure/Strain | Pressure/Strain |
| Description | Used to measure how a material will stretch when a force is applied | Used to measure how a material will compress when a force is applied |
Conclusion
Young’s modulus and bulk modulus are two elastic moduli used to measure the elastic properties of materials. While young’s modulus helps to measure the stretching characteristic of a material, bulk modulus is used to measure the compressive characteristic of the material. Together, they offer an insight into the behavior of the material when subject to various forces.
