Question

Which of the following has highest compressive strength?
A.Cast iron
B.High carbon steel
C.Wrought iron
D.Mild steel

Answer 1

Hint: Basically, compressive strength refers to the force that is responsible for the deformation of the materials such that the volume of the material reduces. Moreover, it is the stress experienced by a material which leads to a smaller volume.

Complete step by step answer:
Compressive strength is defined as the maximum compressive stress that is experienced by the material before its breakdown. It is generally obtained by dividing the maximum load by the cross- sectional area of the material. High compressive strength leads to the failure of the material due to tension. We can also say that it is the stress on materials that leads to a smaller volume.
Now, when the compressive stress is applied to the materials that are brittle, then these materials fracture as there is a sudden release of the stored energy whereas in case of ductile material, they compress and there is no failure. The SI unit of compressive stress is Pascal or $N{m^{ - 2}}$ . Its mathematical formula is as shown:
 $\sigma = \dfrac{F}{A}$
 Where $\sigma $ is compressive stress
F is the compressive force
A is the unit area
So, among the given options high carbon steel has the highest compressive strength as compared to other options. The carbon content is $0.5\% - 1.5\% $ and such steel is called high steel.

Hence, option B is correct.

Note: Don’t get confused with compressive stress and tensile stress. Tensile stress results in elongation of the solid whereas compressive stress results in the shortening of the solid. Moreover, tensile stress is due to the application of an external stretching force whereas compressive stress is due to the application of external compressive force.