What is the result when a force is applied to the side of a beam?

When a force is applied to the side of a beam, the result is bending. Bending occurs because the applied force creates a moment about the beam's neutral axis, causing one side of the beam to experience compression while the opposite side undergoes tension. This results in a curvature of the beam, where the material on one side is being pushed together (compressed) and the material on the other side is being pulled apart (tension). The beam's ability to resist this bending is influenced by its material properties, cross-sectional shape, and the magnitude of the applied force. Understanding bending is crucial in structural design, as it helps in determining how beams will perform under loads and helps ensure that structures are stable and safe.