1) A tensile test involves applying an axial tensile load to a standardized test specimen and measuring its response in terms of stress and strain. 2) The stress-strain curve obtained from a tensile test provides important mechanical properties of the material such as elastic modulus, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and ductility. 3) True and engineering stress-strain curves are obtained, with the true curve accounting for changes in cross-sectional area during deformation and providing a more accurate representation of material behavior.