ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Stress (physics)

Stress (physics) is a measurement of how much force is being applied to a material. Imagine if you were pushing your hand against a wall; the more pressure you apply, the more stress you put on the wall. In physics, stress is usually measured with a unit called the pascal (Pa). Stress can also cause materials to bend or break if it is too high, because the molecules in the material can't take the stress anymore.