Stress (mechanics)

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/stress-mechanics

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the definition?Internal force per unit area within a material resisting deformation
2. What is the SI unit?Pascal (Pa), equivalent to N/m²
3. What is mechanical stress?Mechanical stress is the force inside a material when something pushes or pulls on it. It is measured in Pascals.
4. Why do engineers study stress?Engineers study stress to make sure bridges, buildings, and cars stay safe and don't break. They can pick the right materials and shapes.

Stress Tensor: A mathematical object describing the state of stress at a point in a material.
Material Failure: The point at which a material can no longer withstand applied stresses and breaks or deforms permanently.
Stress Concentration: A localized increase in stress around a discontinuity, such as a hole or sharp corner.