What does the term 'ductility' refer to in materials science?

The term 'ductility' in materials science specifically refers to a material's ability to deform under tensile stress without fracturing. This characteristic allows materials to be stretched into wires or other shapes without breaking, making ductility a crucial property in many applications, especially those involving mechanical stresses, such as in construction and manufacturing.

This property is vital because it ensures that materials can absorb energy and undergo significant deformation before failure, which is essential in design and engineering to prevent sudden breaks in structures or components. Materials that exhibit high ductility, such as metals like copper and aluminum, can be easily formed and shaped without losing their integrity, allowing for more versatile applications.

In contrast, other choices refer to different properties of materials, such as thermal conductivity or resistance to permanent deformation, which do not encapsulate the essence of ductility. Therefore, the understanding of ductility helps in selecting appropriate materials for various engineering and construction tasks, ensuring safety and functionality in design.