Which term would you use to describe the ability to withstand blows or sudden shocks without breaking?

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

Answer: (B)

Toughness is the property that describes how well a material can absorb energy from impacts and resist breaking when hit. It combines strength with the ability to deform (without immediately fracturing) so cracks don’t easily start or grow under sudden shocks. In other words, a tough material can take a blow and stays intact because it absorbs energy rather than shattering. Elasticity is about deformation that springs back to shape, hardness is about resisting surface indentation, and ductility is about deforming plastically without breaking but not necessarily absorbing impact energy. That blend of absorbing energy and preventing crack growth is what makes toughness the best description for withstanding blows.