Why doesn't a metal wire break?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking why a metal wire doesn't break under its own weight or when subjected to external forces. This involves understanding the material properties of metals, particularly their tensile strength and elasticity, and how these properties allow them to withstand stress and strain without fracturing. The question also touches on the concepts of yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, which define the limits of a metal's ability to deform elastically and resist breaking, respectively.
Answer
Metallic bonds allow metal atoms to slide, preventing breakage under normal stress. Repeated bending causes imperfections that lead to breaking.
A metal wire doesn't break under normal conditions due to the nature of metallic bonds, which allows metal atoms to slide past each other when stress is applied. However, repeated bending causes dislocations and imperfections, leading to breakage.
Answer for screen readers
A metal wire doesn't break under normal conditions due to the nature of metallic bonds, which allows metal atoms to slide past each other when stress is applied. However, repeated bending causes dislocations and imperfections, leading to breakage.
More Information
Metals are ductile and malleable due to their structure. Instead of cleanly fracturing, the atoms can move relative to each other, allowing the metal to deform.
Tips
It is a common misconception that metals are strong because their bonds are unbreakable. Instead, their strength comes from the ability of their atoms to rearrange under stress.
Sources
- Why does a metal wire breaks if it is continuously bent up and down? - physics.stackexchange.com
- Why don t metals break when pounded into sheets or drawn into ... - homework.study.com
- Why don't metals break when pounded into sheets or ... - Socratic - socratic.org
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