During compression, what happens to forces?

In the context of compression, the forces acting on an object or material are directed toward each other. Compression occurs when an external force is applied to a material, causing its particles to move closer together. This results in a decrease in volume and an increase in internal pressure within the material.

When a compressive force is applied, the material experiences stresses that act to push the particles or sections of the material closer together. This is crucial in various applications, such as building structures or mechanical components, where materials must withstand significant forces without failure. Understanding the nature of these forces is essential for engineers and designers when selecting materials and designing structures that will endure operational loads.

Recognizing how compression works helps in various fields, including biomechanics, structural engineering, and materials science, where the behavior of materials under different forces significantly impacts the performance and safety of designs.