(σ) experienced within a
solid is the
magnitude of the force acting
F, divided by the area
A over which it acts:
stress = force / area of surface on which force acts
σ = F / A
Its SI unit is the pascal (Pa), where 1 Pa = 1 N / m2. Thus, if a cane supports a load of stress at any point within the cane is the load divided by the cross-sectional area at that point; the narrowest regions experience the greatest stress.