Which property is a measure of a material's resistance to deformation?

Which property is a measure of a material's resistance to deformation?

• A. Durability
• B. Hardness
• C. Ferrous material
• D. Ceramic

Answer: (B)

Hardness measures a material’s resistance to surface deformation under a localized load. When an indenter presses into the material, a harder substance resists penetrating or leaving a large impression, indicating it resists deformation at the surface. This is typically tested with standardized indenters and loads, and a higher hardness value means the material deforms less under that contact. Durability talks about lifespan under use, ferrous material describes composition, and ceramic is a material class—none of these directly quantify how much a surface resists indentation. So hardness is the best answer for a measure of deformation resistance.

Hardness measures a material’s resistance to surface deformation under a localized load. When an indenter presses into the material, a harder substance resists penetrating or leaving a large impression, indicating it resists deformation at the surface. This is typically tested with standardized indenters and loads, and a higher hardness value means the material deforms less under that contact. Durability talks about lifespan under use, ferrous material describes composition, and ceramic is a material class—none of these directly quantify how much a surface resists indentation. So hardness is the best answer for a measure of deformation resistance.