Which of the following materials is isotropic in nature?

• Wood
• Glass
• Plywood
• Carbon fiber

Answer explanation

Isotropic materials have the same properties in all directions. Glass is an example of an isotropic material, whereas wood and composites like carbon fiber are anisotropic.

What does the coefficient of softening indicate?

• Density of saturated material
• Ratio of hardness to toughness
• Ratio of compressive strength in saturated and dry states
• Water permeability

Answer explanation

It is defined as the ratio of compressive strength of a material in saturated state to that in dry state. For clay it is zero, for glass it is unity.

Which property defines the ability of a material to absorb moisture from air?

• Water absorption
• Permeability
• Porosity
• Hygroscopicity

Answer explanation

Hygroscopicity is the ability of a material to absorb water vapour from the air, a key feature in materials like timber.

Which of the following properties is measured using Brinell, Rockwell, or Vickers tests?

• Toughness
• Hardness
• Ductility
• Creep

Answer explanation

Hardness is the resistance to indentation, scratching, or abrasion. It is measured using tests like Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers.

What is the correct match for Ductility?

• Plastic deformation under compressive load
• Drawn into thin sheets
• Drawn into wires
• Return to original shape after unloading

Answer explanation

Ductility is the ability of a material to undergo large plastic deformation in tension, allowing it to be drawn into wires.

Which property defines the ability of a material to return to its original shape after unloading?

• Elasticity
• Plasticity
• Malleability
• Toughness

Answer explanation

Elasticity is the property that allows a material to regain its original shape and size after removal of stress.

Which of the following properties increases with temperature?

• Hardness
• Ductility
• Stiffness
• Brittleness

Answer explanation

Ductility increases with temperature as materials become more deformable under tensile stress.

The modulus of elasticity is a measure of which material property?

• Toughness
• Elasticity
• Stiffness
• Plasticity

Answer explanation

Stiffness is measured by the modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus), indicating resistance to deformation.

Which material is considered highly brittle?

• Mild steel
• Copper
• Cast iron
• Aluminum

Answer explanation

Cast iron is a brittle material and breaks without much deformation under stress.

The ability of a material to withstand repeated freezing and thawing is called:

• Weathering resistance
• Spalling resistance
• Frost resistance
• Refractoriness

Answer explanation

Frost resistance refers to the ability of a material to withstand damage due to freeze-thaw cycles.