How is stress best defined in the context of materials science?

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A force or load that is applied externallyThe change in shape caused by an applied forceAn external resistance acting against an applied forceA force within the material that resists an applied load

Explanation

Stress refers to the internal forces that develop within a material to counteract an externally applied load, maintaining equilibrium. It is not the external force itself or the deformation caused by it, but the internal resistance generated inside the material.