The locus of the end point of the resultant of the normal and tangential components of the stress on an inclined plane, is

Solution (By Examveda Team)

The correct answer is A: Circle.
Let's break down why:
Understanding the Concepts:
* Stress on an Inclined Plane: When a material is subjected to stress, we can analyze the stress components acting on any inclined plane within that material.
* Normal Component: This is the stress acting perpendicular (or normal) to the inclined plane.
* Tangential Component: This is the stress acting parallel (or tangential) to the inclined plane. It's also known as shear stress.
* Resultant Stress: This is the combination of the normal and tangential stress components. Think of it as a single stress that represents the combined effect of both.
* Locus: In this context, locus refers to the path traced by the end point of the resultant stress vector as the inclination of the plane changes.
Why a Circle?
* Mohr's Circle: The relationship between normal and tangential stresses on an inclined plane is elegantly represented by Mohr's Circle.
* Mohr's Circle Visualization: Mohr's Circle is a graphical representation of the state of stress at a point. The coordinates of any point on the circle represent the normal and shear stresses on a particular plane through that point.
* Resultant as a Radius: The radius of Mohr's Circle represents the magnitude of the resultant stress.
* Tracing the End Point: As the angle of the inclined plane changes, the point representing the stress state moves around the circumference of Mohr's Circle. Therefore, the end point of the resultant stress (which is related to the radius and center of the circle) traces a circular path.
Why not the other options?
* Parabola, Ellipse, Straight Line: These shapes don't accurately depict the relationship between normal and tangential stresses on an inclined plane as defined by Mohr's Circle and the fundamental principles of stress transformation.
In summary: The locus (path) of the end point of the resultant stress on an inclined plane is a circle, which is directly related to the visual representation of stresses on Mohr's Circle.