Question

How does the modulus of elasticity change with temperature?

Answer 1

Modulus of elasticity: It is defined as the ratio of stress to the strain.

$E=\frac{\sigma }{\epsilon }$ (Where $E$ is the modulus of elasticity, $\sigma$ is the stress and $\epsilon$ is the strain)

1. When the temperature increases, the thermal motion of atoms increases violently.
2. This leads to the weakening of the intermolecular forces.
3. Hence, it'll be easier for the material to strain.
4. And as the modulus of elasticity is inversely proportional to strain, it will decrease as strain increases.

Hence, the modulus of elasticity decreases as temperature increases and vice versa.