A rod of length \(l\) and negligible mass is suspended at its two ends by two wires of steel (wire \(A\)) and aluminium (wire \(B\)) of equal lengths (figure). The cross-sectional areas of wires \(A\) and \(B\) are \(1.0~\text{mm}^2\) and \(2.0~\text{mm}^2\) respectively.
\((Y_{\text{Al}}=70\times10^9~\text{N/m}^2\) and \(Y_{\text{steel}}=200\times10^9~\text{N/m}^2)\)
          

(a) The mass \(m\) should be suspended close to wire \(A\) to have equal stresses in both wires.
(b) The mass \(m\) should be suspended close to \(B\) to have equal stresses in both wires.
(c) The mass \(m\) should be suspended in the middle of the wires to have equal stresses in both wires.
(d) The mass \(m\) should be suspended close to wire \(A\) to have equal strain in both wires.
 
The correct statements are:
1. (b), (c) 3. (b), (d)
2. (a), (d) 4. (c), (d)
(3) Hint: The stress and strain in the wires depend on Young's modulus of the wires.
Step 1: Find the stresses in the wires.
Let the mass is placed at x from end B.
Let TA and TB be the tensions in wire A and wire B respectively.
For the rotational equilibrium of the system,
                                            Τζ=0                                              (Total torque = 0)
                  TBx-TA(l-x)=0
                                   TBTA=l-xx                                                            ...(i)
Stress in wire A, =SA=TAaA
Stress in wire B, SB=TBaB
where aA and aB are cross-sectional areas of wires A and B respectively.
Step 2: Find the location of the mass for equal stresses in the wires.
According to the question, aB=2aA
Now, for equal stresses, SA=SB
                                TAaA=TBaBTBTA=aBaA=2
                                l-xx=2   lx-1=2
                                      x=l3  l-x=l-l/3=2l3
Hence, the mass m should be placed closer to B.
Step 3: Find the location of the mass for equal strain in the wires.
For equal strain,      (strain)A=(strain)B
                               (YA)SA=YBSB                 (Where YA and YB are Young's moduli)
                              YsteelTA/aA=YAlTB/aB
                               YsteelYAl=TATB×aBaA=xl-x2aAaA
                             200×10970×109=2xl-x207=2xl-x
                                     107=xl-x10l-10x=7x
                                      17x=10l x=10l17
                                          l-x=l-10l17=7l17
Hence, the mass m should be placed closer to wire A.