Material Toughness — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Toughness
Toughness is the total energy per unit volume that a material can absorb before fracture. It is represented by the area under the stress-strain curve (from the origin to the fracture point). A material can be both strong (high ultimate strength) and tough (high energy absorption), or strong but brittle (high strength but low toughness, like ceramics). Dental ceramics have high compressive strength but low toughness (fracture easily under impact). Metals generally have high toughness. Fracture toughness (KIc) specifically measures resistance to crack propagation.
Reference: Anusavice – Phillips' Science of Dental Materials, 13th ed., 2022