Which of the following best describes the ability of a material to undergo deformation before breaking?

The ability of a material to undergo deformation before breaking is defined as ductility. Ductility is a key mechanical property that allows materials to stretch and deform significantly when a force is applied, without fracturing. For example, ductile materials can be shaped into wires or other forms through processes such as bending or stretching, making them very useful in various applications.

In contrast, strength refers to a material's ability to withstand an applied load without failure, but it does not specifically address deformation characteristics. Brittleness describes a material's tendency to break or shatter without significant deformation when subjected to stress, which is the opposite of ductility. Hardness measures a material's resistance to localized deformation, such as indentation, but again does not relate directly to its ability to deform without breaking.

Understanding these distinctions is key for applications that require materials to endure stress while maintaining integrity under force. Ductility is particularly valued in industries where material flexibility and resilience are essential for performance.