Multiple Choice Test: Mechanical Properties

What does tensile strength describe?

• The ability of a material to resist pushing forces.

• The ability of a material to resist pulling forces.

• The ability of a material to resist deflection (bending).

• The ability of a material to deform without cracking.

Which of the following requires high tensile strength?

• Bicycle frames

• Elevator cables

• Car bumpers

• Pole-vaulting poles

What is compressive strength?

• The ability to resist being squashed by heavy loads.

• The ability to be drawn into wire-like shapes.

• The ability to bend and return to its original shape.

• The ability to deform but resist cracking.

What material property is important when selecting materials for a building's concrete foundation?

• Tensile strength

• Elasticity

• Compressive strength

• Ductility

Stiffness is best defined as:

• The ability to deform and resist cracking under impact.

• The ability to resist bending and maintain shape under force.

• The ability to return to its original shape after bending.

• The ability to be formed into a new shape.

Which of the following is an example of stiffness in design?

• Car bumpers absorbing energy from an impact.

• Concrete supporting the weight of a building.

• Airplane wings maintaining shape to ensure lift and control.

• A pole-vaulting pole flexing and returning to its original shape.

What is toughness?

• The ability to be drawn into wire-like shapes.

• The ability to deform and resist cracking under impact.

• The ability to resist deflection when a force is applied.

• The ability to bend and return to its original shape.

Why is toughness important in car bumpers?

• To maintain their shape under heavy loads.

• To absorb impact energy without cracking or breaking.

• To resist scratching and abrasion.

• To flex when impacted and return to their original shape.

What does ductility describe?

• The ability of a material to return to its original shape after being bent.

• The ability of a material to be drawn into wire-like shapes.

• The ability of a material to resist cracking under impact.

• The ability of a material to resist being squashed.

Which property is important in the manufacture of extruded aluminum?

• Plasticity

• Ductility

• Toughness

• Elasticity