Which property describes the ability to deform plastically while maintaining load-carrying capacity?

• A. Toughness
• B. Ductility
• C. Elasticity
• D. Hardness

Answer: (B)

Ductility describes the ability to deform plastically while still carrying load. It means the material can undergo significant permanent deformation (stretching, necking) without suddenly fracturing, allowing redistribution of stresses and warning before failure. This is why ductile materials behave more predictably under overloads and give warnings through deformation rather than snapping.

Elasticity would imply the deformation is reversible and no permanent shape change occurs. Hardness is about resistance to surface indentation, not the capacity for plastic deformation under load. Toughness is about the energy a material can absorb before fracture, which relates to strength and ductility but does not define the specific ability to deform plastically while maintaining load-carrying capacity.