A diffraction approach to assess the elastic properties of a nylon string

Young’s modulus of a nylon string has been determined experimentally by combining elasticity theory and wave optics. A diffraction experiment was setup to determine the change in string diameter for different tensile forces, applied by means of hanging weights. A linear elasticity model was used to calculate Young’s modulus. We provide a simple method, which could be used as the basis of an experiment for the introductory university level.