Which term describes the ability of a substance to resist being peeled or pulled apart?

The term that accurately describes the ability of a substance to resist being peeled or pulled apart is adhesive strength. This concept refers specifically to the capacity of adhesive materials to maintain their bond under tensile stress, which is particularly relevant in applications such as nail enhancements and other cosmetic procedures.

Adhesive strength directly impacts how well materials, such as nail products, stick to surfaces and withstand forces that could cause separation. For a nail technician, understanding adhesive strength is crucial when selecting products for services such as nail tips or artificial nails, as effective bonding is necessary for durability and longevity.

While adhesion refers to the attraction between unlike substances and cohesion pertains to the attraction between like substances, neither of these terms specifically captures the resistance to separation in the context of applied stress. Elasticity describes a material’s ability to return to its original shape after deformation, but it does not pertain to resistance to being pulled apart. Thus, adhesive strength is the definitive term in this scenario.