Tensile strength is a measure of how much force a material can withstand when being pulled or stretched before it breaks. It is an important property in materials science, as it helps engineers and designers choose the right materials for various applications, such as in construction or manufacturing. The higher the tensile strength, the more force the material can handle without failing. This property is typically measured in units like pounds per square inch (psi) or megapascals (MPa). Different materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites, have varying tensile strengths. For example, steel has a high tensile strength, making it suitable for structural applications, while rubber has a low tensile strength, which makes it more flexible.