The document discusses tensile testing and the properties that can be determined from a tensile test. It explains that a tensile test involves clamping a sample between grips and applying a load while measuring elongation. The stress-strain curve obtained provides important mechanical properties like elastic limit, yield strength, and tensile strength. Yield strength indicates the stress at which permanent deformation begins, while tensile strength is the maximum stress endured before failure. Overall, tensile testing allows direct comparison of a material's strength performance independent of sample size.