Final answer:
Cutting on the tension side is generally preferred in many material processing applications to avoid splitting or deformation. The top side of a bending beam or shelf experiences compressive stress, while the bottom experiences tensile stress. Rubber bands can also experience compressive stress under certain conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether the last cut is made to the compression or tension side of a material depends on the context of the question and the specific application in engineering.
However, generally, during operations like woodworking or metalworking, one would cut on the tension side to reduce the risk of material splitting or deformation. When bending occurs, as with a heavy shelf or beam, the top side of the material is under compression from the weight and the bottom is under tension as it sags.
Compressive stress is applied to an object when it is squeezed, such as when pressing on the ends of a wooden rod. Tensile stress is applied when the object is stretched, like when pulling on the ends of a rubber band.
Even though rubber bands are highly flexible, they can still experience a form of compressive stress, especially when they are twisted or rolled upon themselves, causing the material to push against itself.