Question:
A rigid bar of mass M is supported symmetrically by three wires each of length l. Those at each end are of copper and the middle one is of iron. The ratio of their diameter, if each is to have the same tension, is equal to
(a) $Y_{\text {copper }} / Y_{\text {iron }}$
(b) $\sqrt{\frac{Y_{i r o n}}{Y_{\text {copper }}}}$
(c) $\frac{Y_{\text {iron }}^{2}}{Y_{\text {copper }}^{2}}$
(d) $\frac{Y_{\text {iron }}}{Y_{\text {copper }}}$
Solution:
The correct answer is (b)
$\sqrt{\frac{Y_{\text {iron }}}{Y_{\text {copper }}}}$