Stress is the force applied to a material, while strain is the resulting deformation or change in shape of the material.
Different materials have varying levels of stiffness and strength, which determine how they respond to stress and strain. Some materials may be more elastic and return to their original shape after being stressed, while others may permanently deform or break.
External factors that can cause stress and strain include forces such as tension, compression, shear, and torsion. These can be caused by weight, pressure, or movement applied to the material.
Stress is typically measured in units of force per unit area, such as pounds per square inch (psi) or newtons per square meter (N/m^2). Strain is measured as a ratio of the change in length over the original length of the material.
Understanding stress and strain is crucial in the fields of engineering and material science, as it allows for the design and testing of materials to ensure they can withstand the forces they will encounter in real-world applications. It is also important in fields such as architecture, where stress and strain must be considered in the design and construction of buildings and structures.