A Level Physics Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the A Level Physics Exam. Our quiz features flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

How is strain defined in material science?

deltaL / L
L / deltaL
F / deltaL
A / L

The correct answer is: deltaL / L

Strain in material science is defined as the change in length (deltaL) of a material divided by its original length (L). This relationship provides a dimensionless quantity that measures how much a material deforms under stress. When a material is subjected to an external force, it undergoes deformation, which can either be stretching, compressing, or bending. Strain quantifies this deformation relative to the material's original dimensions, allowing for comparisons across different materials and situations. By using the formula (deltaL / L), we ensure that strain is a ratio, making it independent of units, which is crucial for engineers and scientists when evaluating the behavior of materials under load. Understanding strain is essential in material science because it helps in analyzing how materials will respond to various forces, which is foundational for applications in construction, manufacturing, and materials development.