Which statement describes creep in polymers and how temperature and time influence it?

• A. Creep is progressive deformation under constant load; higher temperature and longer time increase creep.
• B. Creep occurs only in metals.
• C. Creep is negligible at service temperatures.
• D. Creep is immediate and unaffected by temperature.

Answer: (A)

Creep is the gradual, permanent deformation that happens when a material is held under a constant load. In polymers, raising the temperature makes the molecular chains more mobile, so the material can flow a bit more under the same load. Over time, this deformation accumulates, meaning creep increases with longer exposure. So the description that creep is progressive deformation under constant load and that higher temperature and longer time increase creep is the best fit for polymers. It’s not restricted to metals, nor is it negligible at service temperatures, nor is it instantaneous or independent of temperature.