Final answer:
The strength of two leg shafts against tensile and compressive forces is determined by the material properties and their cross-sectional area. Small deformations will result in the same change in length for the same magnitude of forces, but this changes with larger deformations. Uniformity in material and cross-sectional area ensures similar strength unless the yield point is reached.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strength of two leg shafts against tensile and compressive forces is indeed influenced by the material they are made of and their cross-sectional area. Material properties, such as the shear modulus denoted by 'S', contribute significantly to how a material responds to stress. Forces applied parallel to the length of the rod in tension or compression cause deformation. For small deformations and uniform materials, the change in length (ΔL) is approximately the same for the same magnitude of forces. However, with larger deformations, the cross-sectional area can change, affecting tensile and compressive strength.
Two rods made of the same material and with the same cross-sectional area will theoretically have the same strength against these forces assuming that the forces are in the elastic range where the material behaves according to Hooke's law. Therefore, yes, the sameness in material and cross-sectional area plays a crucial role in the uniform strength of shafts when subjected to both tensile and compressive forces until the yield point of the material is reached.