Final answer:
The claim that a tension force always generates greater stress than an equivalent compression force is false, as stress depends on multiple factors, not just the nature of the force.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a tension force generates a greater stress than an equivalent compression force is false. Stress is defined as the force per unit area that causes deformation, which includes tensile stress from stretching, compressive stress from compression, and shear stress resulting from shear forces. In general, whether a tension or compression force causes greater stress depends on the material's properties, geometric factors and not solely on the nature of the force itself. Both tension and compression can cause deformation, changing an object's length without necessarily changing its cross-sectional area, especially within the linear range of low stress.