Which term describes the ability to undergo large permanent deformations in compression?

Which term describes the ability to undergo large permanent deformations in compression?

• A. Hardness
• B. Durability
• C. Malleability
• D. High Strength to Weight Ratio

Answer: (C)

Malleability is the ability of a material to undergo large permanent deformation under compressive stress. When a material is malleable, it can be hammered, rolled, or pressed into shapes—often into thin sheets—without cracking, even after significant plastic deformation. This is why metals like gold and copper are described as highly malleable. Hardness measures resistance to indentation, durability refers to how long a material lasts under wear and environment, and a high strength-to-weight ratio is about strength relative to weight, not how a material deforms under load. Ductility is related but describes deformation under tension rather than compression. So the term for large permanent deformation in compression is malleability.

Malleability is the ability of a material to undergo large permanent deformation under compressive stress. When a material is malleable, it can be hammered, rolled, or pressed into shapes—often into thin sheets—without cracking, even after significant plastic deformation. This is why metals like gold and copper are described as highly malleable. Hardness measures resistance to indentation, durability refers to how long a material lasts under wear and environment, and a high strength-to-weight ratio is about strength relative to weight, not how a material deforms under load. Ductility is related but describes deformation under tension rather than compression. So the term for large permanent deformation in compression is malleability.