What does tensile strength measure?

Tensile strength measures the force required to pull an object apart. This physical property indicates how much pulling or stretching force a material can sustain before it fails or breaks. It is a critical factor in determining the suitability of materials for various engineering applications, particularly in structural engineering, where materials must withstand forces without failing.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different material properties. For instance, the capability to withstand compression is related to compressive strength, not tensile strength. The energy required to heat a substance relates to its specific heat capacity, and the amount of pressure a fluid can exert pertains to fluid mechanics, specifically to the material's compressibility or fluid pressure characteristics.