What does high tensile strength in a material indicate?

High tensile strength in a material indicates its ability to withstand high levels of tension without breaking. This property is crucial in various applications where materials are subjected to stretching or pulling forces. For instance, in construction and manufacturing, materials with high tensile strength can safely bear loads without failing, making them ideal for structural components.

Conversely, materials with low tensile strength are prone to rupture when exposed to tension, which can lead to structural failures. The other options, while related to material properties, do not accurately describe what high tensile strength signifies. For example, the ability to easily stretch and deform corresponds more to materials with high ductility rather than high tensile strength. Additionally, lightweight and easy-to-handle aspects typically pertain to specific types of materials, not necessarily linked to their tensile strength. Lastly, resistance to compression specifically relates to compressive strength rather than tensile strength.