The femur bone in the human leg has a minimum effective cross section of about 3.0 cm^2. How much compressive force can it wthstand before breaking? (compressive strength of bone= 170 x 10^6 N/m)
I'm not sure what formula to use and how o start this problem. Please help! I have done all of my chapter homeworks in physics, but I only have about 6 that I am having trouble with. I appreciate any help!

Question

The femur bone in the human leg has a minimum effective cross section of about 3.0 cm^2. How much compressive force can it wthstand before breaking? (compressive strength of bone= 170 x 10^6 N/m)
I'm not sure what formula to use and how o start this problem. Please help! I have done all of my chapter homeworks in physics, but I only have about 6 that I am having trouble with. I appreciate any help!

anonymous · Answer

We need to relate the compression force to the maximum pressure the bone can take. 

$$P = {F \over A}$$where P is the strength of the bone, F is the compressive force, and A is the cross-sectional area of the bone (remember to convert to m^2).