Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

Which term refers to a turning force applied to a material?

1. Bending force

2. Compression

3. Torsion

4. Tension

The correct answer is: Torsion

The term that refers to a turning force applied to a material is torsion. Torsion involves the application of a twisting motion around an axis, which creates shear stresses within the material. This type of force is commonly encountered in structural engineering, particularly when analyzing components such as shafts, beams, or other structural elements that may undergo twisting during loading. Torsion is an important concept in design, as it impacts how materials behave under different loading conditions. Understanding torsion helps engineers ensure that structures can withstand not just axial and lateral forces but also the effects of twisting, which can lead to potential failures if not properly addressed in the design. Other terms in the question refer to different types of stress applied to materials: bending forces involve the application of loads that cause the material to bend or flex, compression refers to forces that shorten or squeeze a material, and tension refers to forces that stretch or elongate a material. Each of these terms describes a specific type of mechanical loading, making torsion distinct and essential in the field of civil engineering.