A student carries out an experiment to determine the Young modulus of a metal wire. She determines the tension (force) applied to the wire, measures its original length with a tape measure, its extension with a vernier scale, and its diameter using a micrometer screw gauge. Each measurement is made with an uncertainty of 2%.
Which measurement gives the largest uncertainty in the calculated value of the Young modulus?
diameter
extension
force
original length
20 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Physics Materials, covering Bulk properties of solids and The Young modulus. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.