Final answer:
The question is about the compressive strength of Quickset in comparison to cancellous bone. Quickset can withstand twice the compression of cancellous bone, whereas cancellous bone itself is flexible and strong due to its organic matrix.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question refers to the compressive strength of Quickset compared to cancellous bone. Compressive strength is the capacity of a material to withstand axially directed pushing forces. When Quickset is said to have twice the compressive strength of cancellous bone, it implies that Quickset can endure twice the amount of compression before deforming or failing. Cancellous bone, also known as spongy or trabecular bone, is less dense than compact bone and is found at the ends of long bones and inside vertebrae. It has an organic matrix that includes collagen, providing strength and flexibility. In contrast, Quickset, which is a concrete-like material, has a very high ultimate compressive strength suggesting that it is unlikely to break under compression, though it has a lower shear strength, implying that chipping could occur under certain loads. Bone has different Young's moduli for tension and compression, reflecting its anisotropic mechanical properties. This property allows bones to be strong yet somewhat flexible, able to handle various mechanical stresses without fracturing under normal circumstances. Most bone fractures occur due to twisting and bending rather than pure compression.