Impact and crush-resistance tests that measure a fiber optic cable's ability to withstand physical stresses are known as _____.

The correct choice is related to the category of tests specifically designed to evaluate a fiber optic cable's ability to endure various physical stresses, such as impacts and crush forces. Mechanical tests encompass a broader range of evaluations that assess the physical properties of cables, including how well they can resist damage from external forces and their overall structural integrity. These tests are essential in determining the reliability and longevity of fiber optic cables in different environments and applications.

Mechanical tests can include various evaluations such as tensile strength, impact resistance, crush resistance, and bending performance. Each of these assessments provides insights into how a fiber optic cable will perform under real-world conditions, ensuring that it meets industry standards for durability and functionality.

While durability tests, stress tests, and performance tests could be relevant in a more general context, they do not specifically capture the focus on physical stress resistance as precisely as mechanical tests do. Thus, mechanical tests are the most accurate term for this specific category of assessments in the context of fiber optic cable evaluation.