# Explain what is meant by a material being described as brittle and describe how a brittle material behaves differently from a ductile material when a tensile force is applied beyond the elastic limit.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.4.2 Materials · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A brittle material does not deform plastically (before breaking) / snaps or fractures suddenly without significant permanent deformation
2. A ductile material can be stretched beyond the elastic limit and undergoes plastic deformation / changes shape permanently without breaking
3. Beyond the elastic limit the ductile material does not return to its original shape / the deformation is permanent
4. The brittle material breaks/fractures at or close to the elastic limit / without showing a plastic region
5. Correct comparison: brittle material fractures suddenly whereas the ductile material continues to deform/extend without immediately breaking

## Key terms

- [brittle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/brittle)
- [ductile](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ductile)
- [elastic limit](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/elastic-limit)
- [tensile force](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/tensile-force)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-is-meant-by-a-df130008) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.