Explain what is meant by tensile stress and tensile strain.

Tensile stress is the force exerted per unit cross-sectional area on an object.

Tensile strain is the extension per unit original length of an object.

PJ
Answered by Penelope J. Physics tutor

25482 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does an ice skater spin faster when they hold in their arms?


Show that a mass on a spring obeys simple harmonic motion.


A child is standing on a walkway that is moving at 2 metres per second and decides to turn around and walk back to the start at 2 metres per second. Explain why the child cannot reach the start of the walkway at this speed.


People A and B are taking a lift of mass 500 kg which has constant acceleration and the force from the rope that pulls it is 7500 N. The scales where the people stand show a reading of 720 N and 500 N.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning