What is the physical meaning of a material having a low Poisson’s ratio?
- AThe material is very stiff
- BThe material is very compressible
- CThe material experiences little lateral deformation when stressed axiallyCorrect
- DThe material is nearly incompressible
Solution
Concept
Physical meaning of low Poisson's ratio
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Poisson's ratio represents the ratio of lateral strain to longitudinal strain under uniaxial stress. 2. A lower value indicates a higher proportion of volume change under axial loading. Answer: C
Explanation
Poisson's ratio measures the proportion of lateral strain to axial strain under uniaxial loading. A low value indicates that applying axial tension or compression produces very little transverse expansion or contraction. Consequently, option C correctly explains the physical behavior of materials with a low Poisson's ratio.
Why the other options are wrong
A) Stiffness is determined by Young's modulus rather than a low Poisson's ratio. D) Near-incompressibility is associated with a Poisson's ratio close to 0.5 rather than a low value.
Shortcut
Low Poisson's ratio means minimal lateral expansion when stretched or compressed axially.
Common mistake
Equating low Poisson's ratio directly with high material stiffness or bulk compressibility and selecting option A or B.
Correct answer: C) The material experiences little lateral deformation when stressed axially