ANS:A - compressive strength

Compressive strength is a mechanical property that describes the ability of a material to withstand axial loads that tend to reduce its size or cause it to collapse, ultimately leading to its compression or shortening. It is measured by applying compressive forces to a material specimen until it fails or undergoes significant deformation. In simpler terms, compressive strength indicates how much force a material can withstand when it's being squeezed or compressed. This property is crucial in many engineering applications where materials need to support loads that push them together or crush them. For example, in construction, concrete is commonly tested for compressive strength because buildings and structures must withstand the weight of the materials above them. Similarly, in mechanical engineering, materials like metals, ceramics, and polymers are tested for their compressive strength to ensure they can withstand the forces they'll encounter during operation. Compressive strength is typically reported in units of force per unit area, such as pounds per square inch (psi) or megapascals (MPa). The higher the compressive strength of a material, the more force it can withstand before deforming or failing under compression. Understanding the compressive strength of materials is essential for designing structures, components, and machines that can support the loads they'll encounter during their intended use.