Young's Modulus
A mechanical property measuring the tensile or compressive stiffness of a solid material in its linear elastic deformation regime.
Governing formula
E = σ / ε = (F / A) / (ΔL / L₀)
SI unit
Pa or GPa (Gigapascals)
In depth
Young's modulus quantifies a solid's resistance to elastic length change under longitudinal stress. Higher Young's modulus values reflect stronger interatomic interatomic bonding forces in the crystal lattice.
Examples in the real world
Structural steel possessing a high Young's modulus (~200 GPa) compared to flexible rubber (~0.01 GPa).