Which term describes the stress that pulls apart or stretches a material?

Which term describes the stress that pulls apart or stretches a material?

• A. Compression
• B. Torsion
• C. Tension
• D. Shear

Answer: (C)

Pulling apart or stretching a material is described by tension. When forces act along the length of a member to elongate it, the internal stress is tensile stress, or simply tension. This is the opposite of compression, where forces push ends together, while torsion involves twisting and shear involves layers sliding past one another. A rope being pulled taut is a familiar example of tension at work.

Pulling apart or stretching a material is described by tension. When forces act along the length of a member to elongate it, the internal stress is tensile stress, or simply tension. This is the opposite of compression, where forces push ends together, while torsion involves twisting and shear involves layers sliding past one another. A rope being pulled taut is a familiar example of tension at work.