Tensile strength is a fundamental mechanical property of a material that measures its resistance to breaking under tension. It is defined as the maximum stress that a material can withstand before it fails or breaks when subjected to pulling or stretching forces.

When a material is pulled or stretched, it experiences internal forces that act to resist the applied load. Tensile strength represents the maximum amount of tensile stress that the material can endure before it ruptures or permanently deforms.

Tensile strength is typically determined through tensile testing, where a standardized test specimen of the material is subjected to gradually increasing tensile forces until it fractures. The force applied to the specimen and the corresponding deformation are measured throughout the test, allowing engineers to calculate the tensile strength of the material.

This property is crucial in engineering applications, as it helps determine the suitability of a material for specific structural or load-bearing purposes. Materials with high tensile strength are often preferred for applications where strength and durability under tension are critical, such as in the construction of buildings, bridges, aerospace components, and automotive parts.

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