What does tensile strength refer to in the context of metals?

Tensile strength is a critical property of metals that measures the maximum amount of tensile (pulling or stretching) stress that a material can withstand before failure. It specifically reflects the material's ability to resist being pulled apart, which is essential in various applications where materials are subjected to stretching forces.

Understanding tensile strength is key for engineers and designers when selecting materials for construction or manufacturing. Materials with high tensile strength are vital in structural applications, where they need to bear loads without breaking. This is why option C correctly identifies tensile strength as the ability to resist being pulled apart. Your ability to evaluate the tensile properties of materials helps ensure safety and structural integrity in engineering projects.