Explain the difference between flexural and shear cracks in a reinforced concrete beam?

Flexural cracks and shear cracks in a reinforced concrete beam differ in their location, orientation, and cause. Flexural cracks occur due to bending stresses and are typically vertical, appearing on the tension face (usually the bottom) of the beam in the region of maximum bending moment. They are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam and are caused by the tensile stresses exceeding the concrete's tensile strength. Shear cracks, on the other hand, occur due to shear stresses and are typically diagonal, forming near the supports of the beam where shear forces are highest. These cracks are inclined at an angle (usually between 45 and 60 degrees) to the longitudinal axis and are caused by a combination of shear and tensile stresses. Flexural cracks indicate bending-related stress, while shear cracks indicate shear-related stress, and their patterns provide insights into the beam's behavior under load.