The force of attraction between molecules of different kinds is called adhesion . Cohesion in solids gives us several characteristics which describe solids. These characteristics are stress, strain, elasticity, strength, and fatigue. Stress within a solid is defined as the magnitude of the force acting, divided by the area over which it acts. Elasticity is the ability of an object to return to its original size or shape when external forces are removed.
Strength is the ability of a solid to withstand a load without failure.
There are four properties which are derived from these characteristics. The tensile strength of a material is the force per unit cross-sectional area applied perpendicularly to the cross section that is required to break a rod or wire of that material. Tensile strength is a measure of cohesion between adjacent molecules over the entire cross sectional area. Malleability is the extent to which a solid can be hammered or rolled into sheets. Ductility and malleability are high in most metals, but low in other solids.