Tensile StrengthScience brain teasers require understanding of the physical or biological world and the laws that govern it.
Which has a higher tensile strength? A 1" diameter, 6 foot long steel rod, or a 6 foot long steel cable made out of the same amount of steel as the rod? More importantly, why?
If you don't know what tensile strength is, click on "hint". AnswerThe cable will be stronger because as a material is made into smaller and smaller fibers, the chance for defects causing a major failure decreases. Think of it this way: cut 1/4 of the way through the rod, and do the same to the cable. With the cable, 3/4 of the wires will still be in perfect condition. The rod, however has a large crack in it now, and it is very easy to break something when there is already a crack started.Hide What Next?
Tweet
See another brain teaser just like this one... Or, just get a random brain teaser If you become a registered user you can vote on this brain teaser, keep track of which ones you have seen, and even make your own. Back to Top |
