What is meant by the term toughness as it applies to a material?

Correct Answer: Option B — The ability to resist repeated application and release of force.

Toughness represents a material's ability to absorb energy and deform plastically without fracturing under dynamic or impact loading. In marine machinery, this property is vital for components subjected to repeated stress cycles, such as reciprocating engine parts, where the material must resist fatigue and sudden shock loads.