tensile strength question

[benhorris]

Having a bit of a problem with this question,

Find the minimum diameter of an alloy cable, tensile strength 75 MPa, needed to support a load of 15 kN.

I know the answer is 1.6cm but i need someone to help explain how to get it.

Ive got this far...

Tensile strength of cable = 75 MPa = 75 000 000 newtons per square meter
= 7.5 x 10^7 m^-2
The weight material required to hold = 15kN = 15 000 N

[Gokul43201]

Look at the units.

Tensile Strength is a measure of stress, or force per unit area.