What does a stress-strain curve for a metal look like and what does each part mean?

Stress is force divided by area, this is plotted on the y axis. Strain is extension divided by original length, this is plotted on the x axis. In the process of recording data to plot a stress-strain curve, the metal is stretched until it breaks.The first part of the graph is linear, this represents the elastic region. In the elastic region, stress and strain are proportional, Hooke's Law will apply and Young's Modulus of the metal can be calculated. At the end of the linear region, yield stress is reached and the material starts to act plastically. The graph curves because stress and strain are no longer proportional. Ultimate tensile strength is reached at the maximum of the graph and then the graph ends when the material breaks.Extension for students who understood adequately: Explanation of the unloading graph and hysteresis loops.

IH
Answered by Isobel H. Physics tutor

2472 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is a piezoelectric crystal used to generate waves of ultrasound?


Calculate the root mean squared speed for 16g of oxygen gas at 50(deg Celsius) and explain why we use this instead of the average velocity of all the particles.


Describe and explain the vertical motion of a parachutist which jumps out of an aeroplane at time t=0 and then releases the parachute shortly after reaching terminal velocity at time t=T. (Assume air resistance is not negligible).


What is the Photoelectric effect?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning