What is the change in shape produced by stress called? Choose one:
A. tension
B. strike
C. compression
D. strain
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: D. strain
Explanation:
When a material or object is subjected to stress, it undergoes a change in shape or size. The change in shape or deformation produced by stress is called strain.
Let’s break down the concepts:
- Stress is the force applied per unit area on a material. It can be caused by tension (pulling), compression (pushing), shear, or other forces. Stress tries to change the shape or volume of the material.
- Strain is the measure of the deformation or displacement resulting from the applied stress. In other words, strain quantifies how much the material changes shape or length relative to its original shape or length.
The options and why they are incorrect or correct:
- A. Tension: This is a type of stress where the material is pulled or stretched. It is a force, not the deformation itself.
- B. Strike: This term usually refers to the direction of geological features like faults or rock layers; it is unrelated to deformation caused by stress.
- C. Compression: This is another type of stress where the material is pushed or squeezed. Like tension, it is a force, not the shape change itself.
- D. Strain: This is the correct term for the deformation or change in shape caused by the applied stress.
Additional details on strain:
Strain can be:
- Elastic strain: Temporary deformation that disappears when the stress is removed.
- Plastic strain: Permanent deformation that remains even after the stress is removed.
Strain is usually expressed as a ratio or percentage — for example, the change in length divided by the original length in the case of linear strain.
Understanding the difference between stress and strain is crucial in fields like materials science, mechanical engineering, geology, and physics because it helps predict how materials and structures will respond under various forces.