Final answer:
A slender column is subject to failure by buckling rather than by crushing.
Step-by-step explanation:
A slender column is a type of column that is subject to failure by buckling rather than by crushing. Slender columns have a small cross-sectional area compared to their length, which makes them more prone to buckling under compressive loads.
Buckling occurs when the column undergoes a sudden lateral deflection or failure due to axial compression. This failure mode is different from crushing, where the column collapses due to excessive compressive forces causing material failure.
For example, a long steel column in a building can be considered slender, and it is important to design such columns with proper reinforcement and bracing to prevent buckling failures.