Final answer:
The mechanical property of timber discussed in lower secondary physics curriculum in Uganda is its strength, including tensile, compressive, and flexural strength, which determines timber's ability to withstand different forces without breaking or deforming.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the physics curriculum for lower secondary education in Uganda, the mechanical property of timber that is often discussed is its strength. Timber's strength is its ability to withstand forces and stresses without breaking or deforming. There are various types of strengths related to timber, including tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength.
Tensile strength is the resistance of timber to breaking under tension, compressive strength is its ability to withstand squashing forces, and flexural strength (or bending strength) determines how well it can resist bending. These properties depend on the species of the wood, its age, and the conditions under which it has grown.