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strength

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Strength is the ability of a material to withstand an applied force without breaking or deforming. The strength of a material depends on its composition, structure, and manufacturing process.

There are many different types of strength, including:

  • Tensile strength: This is the ability of a material to resist being pulled apart.
  • Compressive strength: This is the ability of a material to resist being squeezed together.
  • Shear strength: This is the ability of a material to resist being cut or sheared.
  • Torsional strength: This is the ability of a material to resist being twisted.
  • Fatigue strength: This is the ability of a material to withstand repeated loading and unloading without breaking.

The strength of a material is important for many engineering applications, such as designing bridges, buildings, and machines.

How can the word be used?

The company is looking for strong employees who can work hard.

strength

Different forms of the word

Noun: strength (plural: strengths).

Adjective: strong.

Verb: to strengthen.

Etymology

The word "strength" comes from the Old English word "strengh", which means "power" or "vigor". It was first used in English in the 8th century.

The literal meaning of the word "strength" is the power to resist force or pressure. It can also refer to the power to do something or to the power to endure something.

Question

What does strength mean?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of material strength and its importance in engineering and everyday applications. Discuss the factors that influence the strength of materials and how engineers optimise designs to ensure structural integrity.

Answer:

Material strength is a fundamental property determining a substance's ability to withstand applied forces without deformation or failure. It holds immense significance in both engineering and everyday scenarios, influencing the performance and safety of structures and products.

Strength depends on factors such as the type of material, its internal structure, and external conditions like temperature and loading. Engineers carefully consider these factors when designing structures to ensure they can withstand anticipated stresses without compromising safety.

Materials can exhibit different types of strength, including tensile, compressive, and shear strength. Tensile strength, for instance, measures a material's resistance to stretching or pulling forces, while compressive strength assesses its ability to withstand compression or pushing forces.

Engineers optimise designs by selecting appropriate materials and configurations to achieve desired levels of strength. For instance, in constructing a bridge, engineers may choose high-strength materials like steel for load-bearing components. They also analyse load distribution, consider safety factors, and use computer simulations to assess potential failure points and refine designs.