How does shear force differ from tensile force?

The distinction between shear force and tensile force is fundamentally based on the direction and nature of the forces acting on the material. Shear force acts parallel to the surface of the material, meaning it causes layers of the material to slide past one another. This is typical in situations such as cutting, where the material is subjected to forces that tend to cause different sections or layers to deform laterally.

On the other hand, tensile force involves pulling or stretching a material, effectively working to elongate it. This force is directed along the length of the material and creates tension, pulling the material apart rather than allowing it to slide.

The other options present misunderstandings of how these forces operate. For instance, the idea that shear force is strictly vertical while tensile force is horizontal is misleading, as both types of force can act in various orientations depending on the context. The claim that shear force compresses while tensile stretches is also incorrect, as shear does not compress objects but rather causes sliding. Lastly, the assertion that shear force occurs only in solids and tensile force only in fluids does not accurately reflect the behavior of these forces, as both can apply to a variety of materials under different conditions.