Design and Technology A-Level
Compressive Strength
What Compressive Strength means in Design and Technology A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Compressive Strength
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The ability of a material to withstand pushing or squashing forces without being crushed.
The resistance of a material to breaking under compression (being squashed).
Topics that use Compressive Strength
- Topic 10: Current legislation (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 2: Performance characteristics of materials (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Tensile Strength
- Alloy
- Conductivity
- Hardness
- Performance Characteristics
- Plasticity
- Thermoplastic
- Thermosetting Polymer
Using Compressive Strength in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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