Final answer:
The tensile strength of an assembly is affected by the spacing between the parts being joined; therefore, the statement is false. Proper spacing is crucial to evenly distribute stress and ensure the integrity of a joint.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Tensile strength is not affected by the spacing between the parts being joined' is False. Tensile strength refers to the maximum amount of tensile (pulling) stress that a material can withstand before failure. The spacing between parts being joined can affect the distribution of stress and, therefore, the tensile strength of the assembly. For example, if fasteners are too far apart, it may lead to an uneven stress distribution and localized failures.
When considering the strength of a joint, both the properties of the material and the design of the joint, including spacing between connectors, play a critical role in ensuring the overall strength and integrity of the connection. This principle is relevant in fields like structural engineering and mechanical engineering, where the ability of a material or component to withstand tensile stress is a key factor in design.