<prompt> Compressive stress is computed by dividing theexternal force by the:Area of the test specimen upon which the weight restsElasticity of the test specimen in strainLength of the test specimen beneath the forceStrain of the test specimen per unit Length  <response>: COMPRESSIVE STRESSWhen a body is placed under a load that tends to compress or shorten it, the internal resistance to such a load is called a compressive stress. A compressive stress is associated with a compressive strain. To calculate compressive stress, the applied force is divided by the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis of the applied force.Key Concept: To calculate compressive stress, the applied force is divided by the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis of the applied force.Phillips dental materials 12th edition page no 51 