Mechanical properties in terms of steel refer to the characteristics that describe how the material responds to various forces or loads. These properties are crucial for determining how steel will perform in different applications, such as in construction, automotive, or manufacturing. Key mechanical properties of steel include tensile strength (the ability to withstand pulling forces), yield strength (the point at which steel begins to deform permanently), hardness (resistance to surface indentation or scratching), ductility (ability to stretch or elongation without breaking), and toughness (resistance to fracture or cracking under stress). These properties are influenced by the chemical composition, heat treatment, and processing methods used on the steel.