Which of the following methods can be used to find the stress in a steel block subjected to a tensile force?

The method of finding stress in a steel block subjected to a tensile force is defined by the formula stress equals force divided by area. This fundamental equation applies universally to materials, and it is crucial in understanding how materials respond to applied forces.

When calculating stress, the tensile stress is determined by taking the tensile force exerted on the steel block and dividing it by the cross-sectional area over which the force is applied. This provides the tensile stress in the material, allowing engineers to assess whether the material can withstand the applied force without failing.

Additionally, the same formula can be used for compressive forces because the concept of stress does not depend on the nature of the force being tensile or compressive; it simply quantifies the internal resistance of the material to deformation.

While shear stress has a different context, the underlying principle of calculating stress—force divided by area—remains consistent across various loading conditions, including shear. Therefore, the expression can still apply, albeit in a context tailored for shear situations rather than tensile or compressive.

Given all these considerations, it's clear why the comprehensive approach leads to the conclusion that all the methods delineated can be validly applied to understand how stresses are analyzed in materials like steel blocks under various types of forces.