Final answer:
The appropriate gage factor of a strain gage is necessary for operating the P-3500 portable strain indicator. The gage factor relates the change in resistance of the strain gage to the amount of strain it experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate gage factor of a strain gage attached to a strain indicator is necessary for operating the P-3500 portable strain indicator. The gage factor is a dimensionless constant that relates the change in resistance of the strain gage to the amount of strain it experiences. The strain gage is designed to change its resistance when subjected to mechanical strain. By measuring this change in resistance, the strain indicator can determine the amount of strain the gage is experiencing.
For example, if the strain gage has a gage factor of 2, and it experiences a strain of 100 microstrain (0.0001), the resulting change in resistance would be twice the initial resistance of the gage. The strain indicator can then convert this change in resistance to a strain measurement.