What do the terms "compression stress" and "tension stress" refer to in beam analysis?

In beam analysis, "compression stress" and "tension stress" refer to the behavior of materials when they are subjected to different types of loading. Compression stress occurs when a material is subjected to a force that compresses or shortens it, causing the internal fibers of the material to be pushed together. Tension stress, on the other hand, happens when a material is subjected to a pulling force that elongates it, resulting in the internal fibers being pulled apart.

Understanding the difference between these stresses is crucial for evaluating how beams will perform under loads and ensuring structural integrity. For instance, specific materials are better suited to withstand compression or tension, and knowing the stresses involved helps engineers design safe and effective structures.

The other options pertain to related concepts but do not directly address the definitions of compression and tension stress. Forces applied at a point, load distributions, and support capacities all relate to beam behavior but are not the specific definitions of the stresses themselves.