Final answer:
The student needs to apply statics principles to determine the force in each truss member and whether it is under tension or compression. Free-body diagrams and equilibrium conditions (sum of forces being zero) are essential in this analysis. The question hints at the concepts of tensile and compressive stresses in structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this problem, one must apply principles from the field of statics, a branch of mechanics that deals with bodies at rest and forces in equilibrium. A methodical approach such as the method of joints or the method of sections can be used to analyze the truss. Starting with identifying the support reactions at the truss's points of contact with the ground and progressing through each joint, one can determine the forces in the various members by ensuring the sum of forces in any direction (horizontal or vertical) is zero, based on Newton's first law of equilibrium ΣF=0.
In order to state whether a member is in tension or compression, note that members being pulled apart experience tension, indicated by a positive force, whereas members being pushed together are under compression, indicated by a negative force. Accurate analysis also typically requires drawing a free-body diagram to visually represent the forces on each member.
While the provided information is fragmented and doesn't correspond directly to the given question, it alludes to similar concepts dealing with tensile stress, compressive stress, and the consequences of forces applied on materials, which might be involved in a static analysis of a truss. The student should also take into account geometric properties of the truss for a proper calculation.