The linking equation between stress and strain is known as Hooke's law: s = E e, and governs the linear elastic response of materials.

The elastic modulus, E, was named in Young's honor to recognize his contributions to elasticity and other areas of physics. Young's experiments in optics established the transverse nature of light waves and explained the polarization of light.

He also provided an early translation of the hieroglyphic text of the Rosetta Stone.