Define the term stress and it's …

When the deforming force is applied to an object. The object deforms. In order to bring the object back to the original shape and size, there will be an opposing force generated inside the object.

This restoring force will be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the applied deforming force. The measure of this restoring force generated per unit area of the material is called Stress.

There are several different types of stress in physics but mainly it is categorized into two forms that are Normal Stress and Tangential or Shearing Stress. Some stress types are discussed in the points below.

Normal Stress:

As the name suggests, Stress is said to be Normal stress when the direction of the deforming force is perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of the body. The length of the wire or the volume of the body changes stress will be at normal. Normal stress can be further classified into two types based on the dimension of force-

• Longitudinal stress
• Bulk Stress or Volumetric stress

Longitudinal Stress:

Consider a cylinder. When two cross-sectional areas of the cylinder are subjected to equal and opposite forces the stress experienced by the cylinder is called longitudinal stress.

Tensile Stress

If the deforming force or applied force results in the increase in the object’s length then the resulting stress is termed as tensile stress. For example: When a rod or wire is stretched by pulling it with equal and opposite forces(outwards) at both ends.

Compressive Stress

If the deforming force or applied force results in the decrease in the object’s length then the resulting stress is termed as compressive stress. For example: When a rod or wire is compressed/squeezed by pushing it with equal and opposite forces(inwards) at both ends.