Question

Which one is more elastic Steel or rubber? Explain.

Answer 1

The most elastic material is the one which regains its original shape as soon when the deforming force is removed. To find the elastic one we want to find which one resists the change more.

Complete solution:
The modulus of elasticity is the measure of elasticity.
The expression for modulus of elasticity is given as,
$E = \dfrac{{{\text{stress}}}}{{{\text{strain}}}}$ .
The stress is measured as the force applied per unit area. And the strain is the ratio of change in dimension to the original dimension.
The material used to stretch when we apply the deforming force. And it will regain its original shape when the deforming force is removed. This property of a material is the Elasticity. When the material retains the deformed shape even after the force is removed, and then it can be called as plastic.
Among steel and rubber, the steel is more elastic. Hence it will resist the change more. When the deforming force is applied the steel then stretches and it will regain its original shape fast. That’s why the steels are used for construction purposes. For making the beams the steel rods are used. Hence, they can bear heavy loads without changing their shapes.
Thus, the modulus of elasticity is greater for those materials having less strain even when a large force is applied. The ration of the change in dimension to original dimension is less. They resist more. The modulus of elasticity of steel is greater. Hence steel is more elastic.

Note: We have to note that the rubber is not very elastic. It can stretch even for small forces applied to it. It doesn’t mean they are more elastic. They only resist less to the change.