What does tensile strength measure in materials?

Tensile strength specifically measures the maximum amount of stress a material can endure before it fails or breaks when subjected to tension. It is an important property in materials science because it quantifies the ability of a material to resist being pulled apart. The higher the tensile strength, the more force the material can withstand in a lengthwise direction without breaking, making it a critical factor in applications where materials are subjected to stretching or pulling forces.

Understanding tensile strength is crucial for engineers and designers when selecting materials for construction, manufacturing, and other applications where structural integrity under tension is essential. This measurement directly relates to the performance and safety of products, ensuring that they can handle expected loads without structural failure. Other options, while important in their own contexts, do not pertain to the specific definition of tensile strength.