How is Stress formula derived?

Question

I’m confused.

In: Physics

Answer 1

While it may be derived, I think it’s normally taken as definition, when force is distributed uniformly across a (cross-)section. Then, the stress σ is defined as that ratio σ = F/A. Sorry that’s not really LY5, but if I remembered correctly that would mean there’s nothing to derive.

Or do you mean “derive” loosely, like “how did someone even come up with that equation?”