Tensile strain is a measure of how much a material deforms when it is stretched. It is defined as the change in length of the material divided by its original length. This ratio helps engineers and scientists understand how materials will behave under tension, which is important in construction and manufacturing. When a material experiences tensile strain, it can lead to elongation or stretching. If the strain exceeds a certain limit, known as the elastic limit, the material may undergo permanent deformation or even break. Understanding tensile strain is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of structures and products.