Which property describes permanent deformation after removal of a force?

• A. Plasticity
• B. Elasticity
• C. Alloy
• D. Non-ferrous metal

Answer: (A)

Plasticity is the property of a material to undergo permanent deformation after the load is removed. When a metal is stressed beyond its elastic limit, its crystal structure rearranges irreversibly, so the shape change remains once the force is released. This permanent change is what distinguishes plasticity from elasticity, where deformation is temporary and the material returns to its original shape after unloading. The other terms describe material types rather than how they behave under load: an alloy is a substance formed by combining elements, and a non-ferrous metal is any metal that does not contain iron.