Which term describes the ability to withstand blows or sudden shocks without breaking?

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

Answer: (A)

Toughness describes how well a material can absorb energy and resist fracture when it is hit or subjected to a sudden load. It’s about resisting blows without cracking, which is why it’s the best term for impact or shock resistance. Elasticity is about reversible deformation—returning to the original shape after the load is removed—so it isn’t about withstanding a blow. Ductility refers to how much a material can plastically deform before it breaks, not how much energy it can absorb from a sudden impact. Fusibility is about melting or fusing materials, which isn’t related to resisting shocks. Materials with high toughness, like certain steels, can deform and absorb energy without fracturing, making them suitable for impact-prone applications.