When a wire is subjected to a force along its length, its length increases by 0.4% and its radius decreases by 0.2%. Then the Poissons ratio of the material of the wire is
Poissons ratio ct is the ratio of fractional change in diameter to fractional change in length. Thus, $ \sigma =\frac{\Delta r/r}{\Delta l/l} $ where r is the radius of the wire. $ \therefore $$ \sigma =\frac{0.2}{0.4} $$ =0.5 $
Mechanical properties of solids intricate the characteristics such as the resistance to deformation and their strength. Strength is the ability of an object to resist the applied stress, to what extent can it bear the stress.
Therefore, some of the mechanical properties of solids involve:
Elasticity: When an object is stretched, it changes its shape and when we leave, it retrieves its shape. Or we can say it is the property of retrieving the original shape once the external force is removed. For example Spring
Plasticity: When an object changes its shape and never attains its original shape even when an external force is removed. It is the permanent deformation property. For example Plastic materials.
Ductility: When an object is been pulled in thin sheets, wires or plates, it will be assumed that it has ductile properties. It is the property of drawing into thin wires/sheets/plates. For example Gold or Silver
Strength: The ability to hold out applied stress without failure. Many types of objects have higher strength than others.