Design and Technology A-Level
Tensile Strength
What Tensile Strength means in Design and Technology A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Tensile Strength
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The ability of a material to withstand pulling or stretching forces without breaking.
The resistance of a material to breaking under tension (being pulled apart).
The ability of a material to withstand pulling forces without breaking.
Topics that use Tensile Strength
- Part 2: Designing a prototype (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 10: Current legislation (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 2: Performance characteristics of materials (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 5: Factors influencing the development of products (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Compressive Strength
- Conductivity
- Hardness
- Performance Characteristics
- Plasticity
- Thermoplastic
- Toughness
- Alloy
Using Tensile Strength in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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