Which statement about destructive testing is true?

• A. It uses X-ray to inspect internals.
• B. Destructive testing permanently alters the material.
• C. Destructive testing cannot reveal ductility.
• D. Destructive testing is non-destructive.

Answer: (B)

Destructive testing means the test damages or changes the material so it can’t be used again. That’s why it’s used to measure properties like strength, ductility, or toughness by pushing the material to failure. The statement that destructive testing permanently alters the material is true because the specimen ends up ruined after the test.

Other options describe non-destructive methods, like using X-rays to inspect the inside of a part, which don’t harm the material; or claim that destructive testing can’t reveal ductility, or that it is non-destructive—both of which are incorrect since destructive testing can—and often does—reveal ductility (for example, in a tensile test, you measure how much it stretches before breaking).