This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on

“Properties of Crystals”.

1. Allotropes differ in which of the following properties:

a) Atomic Number
b) Atomic Mass
c) Crystal Structure
d) Electronegativity
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Allotropes are different crystalline structures of the same element. Hence,
they have the same atomic number, atomic mass and electronegativity. For e.g.,
graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon.
2. Co-ordination number of a crystalline solid is:
a) Number of particles in the unit cell
b) Number of nearest neighbours of a particle
c) Number of octahedral voids in a unit cell
d) Number of tetrahedral voids in a unit cell
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Coordination number of a crystal structure is the number of particles with
which a given particle is in direct contact.
3. Packing efficiency of a crystal structure is the ratio of:
a) Volume occupied by particles to the total volume of the unit cell
b) Volume occupied by particles to that by voids
c) Total volume of the unit cell to the volume occupied by particles
d) Volume occupied by voids to that by particles
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Packing efficiency represents the fraction of the unit cell volume that is
utilized to hold the particles.
4. HCP and BCC are called close-packed structures. Close packed structures have:
a) Highest packing efficiency
b) Highest void fraction
c) Highest density
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Due to the largest number of particles in a unit cell, close-packed structures
have the highest packing efficiency and hence, lest void fraction. Density is NOT a
property of the crystal structure but the substance and depends also on molar mass.
5. An octahedral void is surrounded by:
a) 8 atoms
b) 18 atoms
c) 6 atoms
d) 16 atoms
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: An octahedral void resembles a regular octahedron with atoms situated at
all the six vertices.
6. Which of the following is a property of amorphous solids?
a) Sharp melting point
b) Isotropy
c) Long range order
d) Definite heat of fusion
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Due to irregularity in structure, the average of physical properties like
density, thermal and electrical conductivity etc. is same along any direction for a
particular amorphous solid.
7. Which of the following is a crystalline solid?
a) Copper wire
b) Glass bottle
c) Polythene bag
d) Rubber ball
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Copper wires are made of crystalline copper. In fact, most metallic objects
are crystalline. However, research for the large-scale production of amorphous metals is
in progress.
8. The smallest portion of a crystal which when repeated in different directions generates
the entire crystal is called:
a) Lattice points
b) Crystal lattice
c) Unit cell
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Unit cell is the smallest unit of a crystal which repeats itself to generate the
crystal. Lattice point represents the centres of atoms in a unit cell. Crystal lattice refers to
the entire structure of a crystalline solid.
9. Which of the following is not a property of metal glass?
a) Transparent
b) Poor thermal conductivity
c) High magnetic susceptibility
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Metal glass is a form of metal which like glass, is amorphous but not
transparent. Most of the metal glasses are alloys, having high yield strength and high
elastic strain limits. High magnetic susceptibility, low coercivity and comparatively higher
electrical resistance than their crystalline counterparts make them an ideal material for
power transformers.
10. Grain boundaries are one of the causes of corrosion of metals?
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Grain boundaries are the regions that separate two grains in polycrystalline
metallic solids. The absence of properly defined structure results in residual stresses.
Hence, grain boundaries are the weak spots in the structure and are often the site of a
fracture.

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on
“Bravais Lattices”.

1. Most Bravais lattices are of the type:

a) Primitive unit cell
b) Body centered unit cell
c) End centered unit cell
d) Face centered unit cell
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Out of 14 naturally occurring Bravais lattices, 7 are primitive. Remaining
seven consists of 3 body centered, 2 face centered and 2 end centered unit cells.
2. In which of the following Bravais lattices, not all axial angles are right angles?
a) Tetragonal
b) Rhombohedral
c) Orthorhombic
d) Cubic
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: A rhombohedral is a prism whose base is shaped as a non-square
rhombus. Hence two of its six faces are rhombuses while others are rectangles. This
results in a geometry for which two of the axial angles are right angles but the third is
not.
3. Which of the following Bravais lattices exist as face centered unit cell?
a) Orthorhombic
b) Monoclinic
c) Tetragonal
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Orthorhombic lattice exists as all four types of unit cells. Besides primitive
cell, monoclinic lattice exists only as end centered cell while tetragonal exists only as
body centered lattices.
4. Coordination number for an ideal BCC metallic crystal is:
a) 8
b) 6
c) 12
d) Varies for different metals
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Consider the atom at the body center. It is touched by all the atoms present
at the vertices of the cubic unit cell. We know that a cube has 8 vertices.
5. Number of particles in a primitive cubic unit cell is:
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: In a primitive cubic cell, 8 atoms are present at the eight vertices of the
cube. However, each atom is shared by eight unit cells. Hence, only one-eighth of each
of the eight atoms is present in one primitive cubic cell.
6. In which of the following Bravais lattices none of the sides are equal?
a) Triclinic
b) Monoclinic
c) Orthorhombic
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Each of the above mentioned lattices have all axial distances unequal.
Moreover, triclinic, monoclinic, and orthorhombic lattices have none, two and all axial
angles as right angles respectively.
7. Graphite is a common allotrope of Carbon. Its crystal structure is:
a) Cubic
b) Monoclinic
c) Orthorhombic
d) Hexagonal
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Graphite crystals consist of several planar layers of Carbon atoms arranged
in interconnected hexagonal rings. Each atom makes three &sigma bonds and one &pi
bond. VSEPR theory predicts a trigonal planar molecular structure with respect to each
Carbon atom.
8. Which of the following lattices has the highest void fraction?
a) Hexagonal close packed
b) Body centered cubic
c) Face centered cubic
d) Primitive cubic
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Void fraction = 1 − packing efficiency
Since primitive cubic unit cell has least packing efficiency out of those mentioned above,
hence it has the highest void fraction of (1 − 0.52 = ) 0.48 or 48 %.
9. Which of the following unit cells do not exist for tetragonal lattices?
a) Primitive centered unit cell
b) Body centered unit cell
c) Face centered unit cell
d) All of the mentioned exist
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Tetragonal lattices exist only in primitive and body centered unit cells. Face
centered unit cells occur only for cubic and orthorhombic lattices.
10. Most unsymmetrical Bravais lattice in terms of axial distances and angles is:
a) Monoclinic
b) Triclinic
c) Rhombohedral
d) Hexagonal
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: For triclinic lattice, none of the adjacent sides are equal in length; neither
are any axial angles equal. Hydrated copper (II) sulphate and boric acid have triclinic
crystals.

This set of Materials Science Questions and Answers for Experienced people focuses
on “FCC and HCP Metallic Crystals”.
1. Coordination number of HCP and FCC lattices respectively are:
a) 12, 12
b) 4, 4
c) 12, 8
d) 8, 8
View answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Coordination number is the number of atoms that are in direct contact of
any particular atom or it is the number of nearest neighbours.
2. Number of particles in one unit cell of HCP lattice is:
a) 1
b) 2
c) 4
d) 6
View answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Consider the top and bottom layers. One-sixth of each of the 12(=6×2)
atoms located at the vertices of the two hexagons belong to the cell. Also half of the
atoms at the centre of each of the two hexagons are also part of the cell. Three more
atoms are present between two hexagonal planes.
3. Standard axial ratio for metallic HCP lattice is 2√( 2/3). It is the ratio of
a) Atomic radius to hexagon edge length
b) Hexagon height length to atomic radius
c) Atomic radius to hexagon height
d) None of the mentioned
View answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Ratio of the height of the hexagonal unit cell to its edge length is called the
axial ratio, usually expressed as (c/a).
4. The void fraction is the ratio of unfilled volume to total volume of a structure. For ideal
metallic FCC crystal, it is:
a) 0.22
b) 0.26
c) 0.32
d) 0.38
View answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Void fraction = 1 − packing efficiency
Packing efficiency for FCC lattice is 0.74 and hence, void fraction is 1 − 0.74.
5. If N is the number of tetrahedral voids in a close-packed structure, then the number of
octahedral voids is:
a) N/4
b) 4N
c) 2N
d) N/2
View answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Tetrahedral voids are formed when triangular voids of one close-packed
layer do not overlap while octahedral ones when they overlap. The above relation is
valid for both ABAB type(HCP) and ABCABC type(FCC) packing.
6. An octahedral void is present at each edge of the FCC lattice. How much of each of
these voids belong to each unit cell?
a) One-eighth
b) One-sixth
c) One-fourth
d) Half
View answer
Answer: c
Explanation: In a cubic lattice, each edge is shared by four adjacent cubes. Hence, the
octahedral voids present at these edges are equally divided among the four cells.
7. The edge length of an FCC lattice is X times the atomic radius. Value of X is:
a) 2
b) 2√2
c) 4/√3
d) 3/√2
View answer
Answer: b
Explanation: In FCC unit cell, the atoms at face diagonal touch each other; thus diagonal
is four times the atomic radius(r). Diagonal of the square faces is also equal to √ times of
the edge length(a). Hence, √2a = 4r.
8. Density is the ratio of the mass of crystal to its volume. For a perfect FCC metallic
crystal, the mass of a unit cell is 4 times M0. M0 is:
a) specific mass
b) molar mass
c) atomic mass
d) none of the mentioned
View answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Mass of an ideal FCC metallic crystal unit cell is four times the atomic mass
of the metal since there are four atoms per unit cell.
9. A maximum of 74% packing efficiency can be achieved for crystalline solids.
a) True
b) False
View answer
Answer: b
Explanation: 74% is the maximum packing efficiency for pure metallic crystals. However,
if there are particles of two or more different sizes, greater packing efficiency is possible
by filling the tetrahedral and octahedral voids.
10. Which of the following quantities is larger in HCP as compared to FCC if the
constituting atoms are similar?
a) Number of particles per unit cell
b) Volume per unit cell
c) Mass per unit cell
d) All of the mentioned
View answer
Answer: d
Explanation: An HCP unit cell contains 6 atoms rather than only 4 present in FCC. Also,
both structures are assumed to be comprised of similar atoms thus HCP being heavier.
However, the HCP unit cell is also larger in volume than an FCC one such that both
have same packing efficiency.

This set of Materials Science Questions and Answers for Entrance exams focuses on
“Crystallographic Directions and Planes”.
1. Which of the following is not true for crystallographic axes?
a) They must be parallel to the edges of the unit cell
b) They must be perpendicular to each other
c) They must originate at one of the vertices of the cell
d) They form a right-handed co-ordinate system
View answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The axes must be parallel to the edges of the unit cell, which in case of
some crystal systems like monoclinic, hexagonal etc. are not mutually perpendicular.
2. The point coordinate indices q, r, and s are multiples of:
a) Unit cell edge lengths
b) Distance between nearest neighbours
c) Cosine of angles between unit cell edges
d) None of the mentioned
View answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Point coordinate indices are the fractions which when multiplied by the
corresponding unit cell edge lengths, provide the location of a given point in the
crystallographic coordinate system.
3. The point coordinates of the vertex just opposite to the origin are
a) 0 0 0
b) 0 0 1
c) 0 1 1
d) 1 1 1
View answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Since the opposite vertex is located at distances equal to the edge lengths
along the coordinate axes.
4. If x, y, and z are three positive axes of the crystallographic coordinate system with
origin at point A, then which line points in the direction [1 0 1] ?

a) AD
b) CH
c) FB
d) GE
View answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Moving 1 unit along positive x-axis, 0 units along positive y-axis, 1 unit
along negative z-axis points in a direction parallel to line FB.
5. In the following diagram, what is the direction cosine of the line EB?

a) [1 11]
b) [111]
c) [1 1 1]
d) [1 0 0]
View answer
Answer: a
Explanation: One can reach from point E to B by traversing 1 unit along each of positive
x, negative y, and negative z-axis, where one unit along any axis equals the
corresponding edge length.
6. In cubic crystals, crystallographic directions are arranged in families. Which of the
following directions does not belong to the family <110>?
a) [1 0 1]
b) [11 0]
c) [10 1̅]
d) None of the mentioned
View answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Since the cubic lattice is symmetrical about all the three axes, the above
directions are equivalent irrespective of order & sign and are part of same direction
family.
7. Convert [2 111] from four-index system to three-index system.
a) [2 1 0]
b) [3 0 1]
c) [111]
d) [12 1]
View answer
8. Miller indices of the hatched plane in the following figure are:

a) (2 3 1)
b) (3 2 1)
c) (3 2 0)
d) (1 1 1)
View answer
Answer: a
Explanation: If a plane intercepts the coordinate axes at distances A, B, and C from the
origin, then Miller indices are given by multiplying (a/A b/B c/C) by a suitable factor so as
to obtain integers.
9. Which of the following is a property of Miller indices?
a) They uniquely identify a plane
b) They are always positive
c) They are not fractions
d) None of the mentioned
View answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Two or more planes can have same Miller indices which can be negative,
zero or positive depending on the intercept on the axes. If the ratios of intercepts to
lattice constants come out be fractional, then they are scaled to lowest integers to be
represented as Miller indices.
10. Miller indices for perpendicular planes are always the same.
a) True
b) False
View answer
Answer: b
Explanation: It is true only for cubic lattices. For other systems, there is no simple
relationship between planes with the same Miller indices.
This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Bragg’s Law”.

1. X-rays have larger wavelengths than which of the following?

a) Gamma rays
b) Beta rays
c) Microwave
d) Visible light
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Larger wavelengths mean less energy. Only gamma rays have higher energy (or shorter
wavelengths) than x-rays. Beta rays are actually streaming of particles and have much less energy
than x-rays.

2. X-ray diffraction patterns are used for studying crystal structure of solids because
a) They have very high energy, hence they can penetrate through solids
b) They are electromagnetic radiation, and hence do not interact with matter (crystals)
c) Their wavelengths are comparable to inter-atomic distances
d) Their high frequency enables rapid analysis
View answer

Answer: c
Explanation: For diffraction to occur, the obstacle size should be comparable to the wavelength of
the incident radiation.

3. For destructive interference to take place, the path difference between the two waves should be:
a) nλ
b) 2nλ
c) (n + 1/2)λ
d) (2n + 1)λ
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Constructive interference occurs when the phase difference between two interfering
waves is an integral multiple of 2π. Also, the ratio of path difference to wavelength equals that of
phase difference to 2π.

4. Bragg’s law is not a sufficient condition for diffraction by crystalline solids.

a) True
b) False
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Atoms present at non-corner positions may result in out-of-phase scattering at Bragg
angles.

5. The Miller indices h, k, and l of parallel planes in a BCC lattice should satisfy which of the following
X-ray diffraction reflection rules?
a) h + k + l should be even
b) h, k, and l should all be either even or odd
c) h, k, and l should form Pythagoras triplet
d) all planes allow reflections
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: If the sum of Miller indices becomes odd for a BCC lattice, destructive interference
occurs.

6. Minimum interplanar spacing required for Bragg’s diffraction is:

a) λ/4
b) λ/2
c) λ
d) 2λ
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Maximum value of incident angle can be 90° for which sine is 1. Hence d = λ/2 ( nλ =
2.d.sinθ)

7. Laue’s model pictures XRD as reflection from parallel crystalline planes. Reflection is different
from refraction as:
a) diffraction occurs throughout the bulk
b) intensity of diffracted beams is less
c) diffraction in crystals occurs only at Bragg’s angles
d) all of the mentioned
View answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Reflection is a surface phenomenon, and large portions of the incident waves can be
reflected. Moreover, reflection can occur at any angle of incidence whereas diffraction patterns
(alternative dark and bright bands) occur only at Bragg’s angles.

8. In Bragg’s equation [nλ = 2.d.sinθ], θ is the angle between:

a) specimen surface and incident rays
b) normal to specimen surface and incident rays
c) parallel lattice surfaces d distance apart and incident rays
d) normal to parallel lattice surfaces d distance apart and incident rays
View answer

Answer: c
Explanation: In the following figure, one can easily deduce that the path difference (PQ + QR)
between the two incident waves is 2.d.sinθ using simple

trigonometry. 

9. In the powder method of XRD, the intensities of various bright lines are compared to determine
the crystal structure. For simple cubic lattice the ratio of intensities at first two maxima are:
a) 1⁄2
b) 3⁄4
c) 1⁄2
d) None of the mentioned
View answer

10. K-alpha x-rays have shorter wavelengths than K-beta x-rays?

a) True
b) False
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: K-alpha is formed from a transfer of electrons from L shell to K while K-beta result from
M-to-K transition. Hence K-alpha lines have lower energy (or longer wavelength).

This set of Materials Science Interview Questions and Answers for Experienced people focuses on
“Classification of Crystallographic Defects”.

1. Frenkel defect belongs to which of the following classes?

a) Point defect
b) Linear dislocation
c) Interfacial defect
d) Bulk defect
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Frenkel defect occurs when some of the smaller ions shift from their lattice point to
interstitial positions.

2. The ratio of the number of vacancies to a total number of lattice points for a metal near melting
temperature is of the order of 10 -4. For lower temperatures, the ratio:
a) increases
b) decreases
c) remains the same
d) may increase or decrease depending on the metal
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: At lower temperature, less energy is available in the system which means less number
of atoms are able to leave their lattice sites to create vacancies.

3. Foreign species is present in which of the following defects?

a) Interstitial
b) Vacancy
c) Substitution
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: In substitution defect, particles of other species having similar sizes replace the host
particles in a lattice whereas interstitial defect occurs when particles of the same species are present
at interstitial voids.

4. Edge dislocation and screw dislocation are linear crystalline defects.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Edge dislocation and screw dislocations are linear crystalline defects or line defects.

5. Burger vectors are relevant to which of the following crystalline defects?

a) Point defects
b) Line defects
c) Interfacial defects
d) Bulk defects
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Burger vector denotes the magnitude and direction of a line defect.

6. Pores & cracks in crystalline solids can be classified as bulk defects.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Pores and cracks are not localized to a particular point or edge, but have sizes much
larger than atomic dimensions.

7. Ferromagnetic material shows strong para-magnetic behaviour due to the formation of domains.
These domains belong to:
a) Point defects
b) Linear defects
c) Interfacial defects
d) Bulk defects
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: In ferromagnetic materials, the alignment of magnetic dipoles vary across domain walls.
These walls spread across large surfaces but have negligible thickness.

8. Electrical conductivity of the specimen is a requirement for which of the following microscopic
examination techniques?
a) Optical microscopy
b) Transmission electron microscopy
c) Scanning electron microscopy
d) Scanning probe microscopy
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Non-conducting specimen will develop electrostatic charge due to an incident electron
beam. This field tends to produce faults in the signal interpretation.

9. Which of the following point defects is non-stoichiometric in nature?

a) Schottky defect
b) Metal excess defect
c) Interstitial defect
d) Impurity defect
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: When alkali halides are heated in an atmosphere of the constituent metal, halide ions
diffuse to the surface to react with the vapour particles. This results in excess of cations over anions.

10. The solubility of solute in a solvent in a solid solution is governed by Hume-Rothery rules. The
solubility is more if:
a) radii of solute are much smaller than that of solvent
b) solute an solvent have a similar crystal structure
c) solute has low valence
d) all of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: For high solubility, the solute-solvent pair should have similar radii, crystal structure,
and electronegativity. Moreover, for other factors being equal, a solute with higher valence is more
soluble than one having lower valence.

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Point Defects
– 1”.

1. Which type of defect are point defects?

a) One dimensional defect
b) Zero dimensional defect
c) Two dimensional defect
d) Three dimensional defect
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Point defects are zero dimensional defects as they cannot extend in any direction in
space. Point defects occur where an atom is missing or misplaced in a crystal lattice. The limit of the
size of point defect is not defined.

2. Which of the following point defects can be attributed to from the below options?
i) Stress Fields
ii) Strain fields
iii) Charge
iv) Current
a) i) and ii)
b) ii) and iv)
c) i) and iii)
d) ii) and iv)
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Stress fields are produced due to point dislocation and charges are needed for point
dislocation. When an atom dislocates from its original position to an interstitial position or it is
completely removed from the lattice, hence creating stress fields.

3. Which is not a name given to vacancy in some ionic solid?

a) H-center
b) F-center
c) Color center
d) Luminescence center
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Other than H-center which is used when a halogen occupies the interstitial position, all
the other terms are used for a vacancy in ionic solid. For some ionic solid when there is a vacancy in
crystal, an F-center or color enter or luminescence center is formed due to which the ionic solid
exhibits different colors.

4. What is the color of zinc oxide?

a) Blue
b) Red
c) Yellow
d) Orange
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: In zinc oxide, there is a creation of F-centers, due to a vacancy in its lattice structure. As
the F-centers absorbs light and shows complimentary color, zinc oxide exhibits yellow as its colour.

5. If the number of F-centers are more, the color of the compound gets more intense.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: When the number of F-center increases, more light is absorbed from the visible spectra
and intense color is obtained. By the same logic when the number of F-centers are less, colors are
less intense.

6. F-centers are _________

a) Cathodic vacancy in a crystal occupied by one or more paired electron
b) Cathodic vacancy in a crystal occupied by one or more unpaired electron
c) Anionic vacancy in a crystal occupied by one or more paired electron
d) Anionic vacancy in a crystal occupied by one or more unpaired electron
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: F-centers occur when in a crystal the vacancies are filled by one or more unpaired
electron. When there is an anionic vacancy the charge on the whole body becomes positive as an
anion is negatively charged. The presence of the unpaired electron makes the body neutral and
hence stable.

7. In which of the following defect the density of the crystal is affected?

a) Schottky defect
b) Frenkel defect
c) Stone-Wales defect
d) Antisite defect
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The density of the solid crystal in case of the Schottky defect is less than the theoretical
density of the material. This happens as the total number of ions in the lattice is less than the
theoretical number of ions according to its volume when this defect occurs.

8. Schottky and Frenkel defects are ___________

a) Interstitial and vacancy defects respectively
b) Vacancy and interstitial defect respectively
c) Both interstitial defects
d) Both vacancy defects
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Schottky defect occurs when oppositely charged ions leave the crystal and creating a
vacancy and hence is a vacancy defect while in Frenkel defect an atom moves from its original site to
an interstitial position and hence is an interstitial defect.

9. Which of the following compound shows both Schottky and frenkel defect?
a) Silver(I) iodide
b) Silver(I) bromide
c) Magnesium sulphide
d) Titanium oxide
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: For a compound to show Schottky defect the size of anion and cation are similar size
while Frenkel defect occurs where the size of the anion is larger than the cation. As the radius ratio
of silver to bromine is intermediate, it shows both the defects.

10. For the given magnitude of shift which of the following can cause the formation of an off-center
ion?
a) 0.1 Å
b) 0.05 Å
c) 0.5 Å
d) 1.1 Å
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Off center ions are a type of substitutional ion whose equilibrium position is a little
shifted from its original lattice site. The magnitude of shift for an off center ion is typically in the
range of 0.2Å to 1.0Å.

11. The presence of interstitial carbon atom increases the hardness of which of the following:
a) Martensite
b) Austenite
c) Cementite
d) Pearlite
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Martensite is formed in steel when the austenite form of iron is quenched. Due to rapid
cooling, interstitial carbons are found in interstitial positions. The interstitial carbon is what makes
martensite a hard form of steel.

12. How are point defects classified based on the source of the atom?
a) Statistical and structural
b) Random and ordered
c) Intrinsic and extrinsic
d) Interior and exterior
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: When no foreign atom is present in the crystal lattice and the same kind of atoms are
forming the defect then it is called as an intrinsic atom. When there is a presence of an additional
atom in the crystal lattice, it is called extrinsic defect and hence they are classified according to the
source of the atom.

13. In which of the following case the first element can occupy both lattice position and interstitial
position?
a) Cu in FCC-Ni
b) C in FCC-Fe
c) B in steel
d) Al in FCC-Fe
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: For the first element to occupy the lattice position the size of the first element should
be like that of the second element while for the first element to occupy interstitial position the size
of the first element should be less than the second element. Due to the intermediate size of boron
crystal, it can occupy both lattice and interstitial position.

14. At temperatures greater than 570 degree centigrade, which of the following can be a stable
composition of iron oxide?
a) Fe0.99O
b) Fe0.9O
c) Fe0.96O
d) Fe0.97O
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Over 570 degree centigrade, the composition of iron oxide is in the form of Fe (1-X) O,
where x lies between 0.05 to 0.16. Any value of x other than that will not form a stable composition
of iron. We can see that only in Fe0.9O, x is 0.1 which lies between the permissible ranges.

This set of Materials Science Problems focuses on “Point Defects – 2”.

1. Which thermodynamic property increases in a crystalline solid due to the presence of vacancies?
a) Enthalpy
b) Entropy
c) Internal energy
d) Work done
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Presence of vacancies in crystalline solid creates randomness in structure due to which
entropy increases as it is directly proportional to the number of vacancies per mole of solid.

2. Which type of diffusion occurs due to the exchange of an atom with vacancies?
a) Substitution diffusion
b) Elimination diffusion
c) Passive diffusion
d) Facilated diffusion
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Substitution as the name suggests it deal with substituting an atom or element in the
empty gaps present in crystalline solid which are commonly called as a vacancy.

3. Which of the following technique is not used to measure the concentration of vacancy to
determine the activation energy for its formation?
a) Positron annihilation technique
b) Thermal expansion measurements
c) Measuring resistivity after quenching
d) Thermal imaging
View answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Thermal imaging technique is used to determine the position of the defect. It gives the
information about depth at which defect will be located. It does not give details about the
concentration of vacancy.

4. Calculate temperature of copper at which equilibrium number of vacancies per cubic meter is
2.2*1020 vacancies/m3. The energy of vacancy formation is 0.7ev/atom and total number of atom is
2*1030atom/m3.
a) 3541.4k
b) 300k
c) 354.14k
d) 2.82*10-3k
View answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The equilibrium number of vacancies Nv for a given quantity is given by
Nv = Nexp(-Qv/KT)
T = -Qv/(K*ln(Nv/N))
T = -0.7/(8.62*10-5*ln(2.2*1020/(2*1030)))
T = 354.14k.

5. Which of the following is not the feature of solute and solvent atoms that determine the degree
to which former dissolve in latter?
a) Corrosion factor
b) Atomic size factor
c) Crystal structure
d) Valences
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Corrosion factor determines the rate at which a metal can be corroded it is not related
to the solubility of solute and solvent.

6. How is the concentration of defect related with free energy?

a) The concentration of defect increases free energy
b) The concentration of defect decrease free energy
c) The concentration of defect is equal to free energy
d) The concentration of defect is not related to free energy
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Point defects are equilibrium defect varies inversely with free energy.

7. In which type of defect smaller cation can get displaced into an interstitial void?
a) Schottky defect
b) Intrinsic defect
c) Extrinsic defect
d) Frankel defect
View answer

Answer: d
Explanation: In some compounds where cation anion difference is large cation being smaller
compared to anion tends to displace from its original position to the other position. This type of
defect is called as Frankel defect.

8. Which of the following phenomenon creates point defect in ceramics?

a) Thermal excitation
b) Precipitation
c) Densification
d) Electrical conductivity
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: In ceramics on providing external energy valence electrons get excited creating a point
defect in ceramics. This phenomenon is known as the thermal excitation.

9. Which of the following oxides are highly defective?

a) Al2O3
b) MgO
c) CaO
d) FeO
View answer

Answer: d
Explanation: FeO is a transition metal oxide. Now in this case FeO is cation deficient due to presence
of at least 5% of iron in Fe3+ state.

10. In case of point defect in polymers probability of which part of the polymer is likely to be
defected more compared to other?
a) Center of polymer chain
b) Chain ends
c) Main chain units
d) Starting part of chain
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Chain ends being the outer most part of the polymeric chain the probability of
formation of vacancies in this part is more hence they are more defected compared to other parts.

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Linear
Defects – 1”.

1. A dissolution in which an extra portion of a plane of atoms or a half plane terminates within a
crystal is called as ________
a) Edge dislocation
b) Mixed dislocation
c) Interfacial dislocation
d) Screw dislocation
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Edge dislocations are the linear crystalline defects that are formed due to the extra half
plane of atoms in the lattice.

2. The magnitude and direction of lattice distortion are expressed in terms of which vector?
a) Dislocation vector
b) Screw vector
c) Edge vector
d) Burger vector
View answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Burger vector is used to denote magnitude and direction. In physics, the Burgers vector,
named after Dutch physicist Jan Burgers, is a vector, often denoted as b, that represents the
magnitude and direction of the lattice distortion resulting from a dislocation in a crystal lattice.

3. What is the relative orientation of dislocation lines for edge dislocation?

a) Parallel
b) Perpendicular
c) Circular
d) Both parallel and perpendicular
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: For edge dislocation the nature of dislocation line is perpendicular.

4. What type of direction will the burger vector of dislocation for a metallic material show?
a) Closed-packed crystallographic direction
b) Rounded-packed crystallographic direction
c) Open-packed crystallographic direction
d) Parallel-packed crystallographic direction
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: For a metal being solid, its atoms are closely packed and also metals are crystalline in
nature so the direction shown by the vector will be closed packed crystalline direction.

5. Which technique is used to observe dislocation?

a) Positron annihilation technique
b) Thermal imaging
c) Thermal expansion measurements
d) Electron-microscope technique
View answer

Answer: d
Explanation: This type of microscope consists of a high magnification transmission electron
micrograph in which dark lines represent dislocation.
6. Path of screw dislocation is in the form of _______
a) Circular
b) Cylindrical
c) Spiral or helical
d) Rectangular
View answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Ramp that is traced around dislocation line is spiral or helical that’s the reason it is
called screw dislocation.

7. Which type of deformation occurs due to dislocation?

a) Slip plastic deformation
b) Elastic deformation
c) It does not show deformation
d) Slip elastic deformation
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Dislocation involves sliding of crystal blocks over one another along the definite
crystallographic plane which results in a slip.

8. Which type of stress is involved in the motion of screw dislocation?

a) Tensile stress
b) Shear stress
c) Compressive stress
d) Does not involve stress
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: If shear stress is increased in screw dislocation it results in a slip of one layer over other
which ultimately leads to deformation.

9. Which type(s) of dislocation are included in mixed dislocation?

a) Only Edge dislocation
b) Only shear dislocation
c) Only screw dislocation
d) Both edge and screw dislocation
View answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Mixed dislocation is a combination of screw and edge dislocation. It does not consist of
only pure edge or pure screw dislocation.

10. What is the mechanism in which edge dislocation move out of the slip is called _______
a) Climb dislocation
b) Screw dislocation
c) Shear dislocation
d) Slip dislocation
View answer
Answer: a
Explanation: In this type of dislocation edge moves perpendicular over its slip plane.

This set of Materials Science Question Paper focuses on “Linear Defects – 2”.

1. Which type of defect are line defects?

a) One-dimensional defect
b) Zero-dimensional defect
c) Two-dimensional defect
d) Three-dimensional defect
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Line defects are one dimensional defects as they extend in a singular direction in space.
Line defects are present in solids whereas the whole row of atoms is arranged in anomalous order.
Hence line defects are linear defects and one dimensional in nature.

2. Edge dislocation and skew dislocation are linear crystalline defects.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Line defects are mainly dislocations which can be broadly classified into two distinct
defects. These two dislocations are called edge dislocation and screw dislocation.

3. Which of the following statement is false?

a) Burger vector is the right angle to edge dislocation
b) In screw defect the line defect is parallel to the displacement vector
c) Grain boundary defect is a type of line defect
d) Line defect occurs during the recrystallization process or during slip
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Grain boundary defect is a two-dimensional defect. Grain boundary is the interface
between two grains and hence they stop the dislocations from moving freely. Therefore, they cause
a two-dimensional defect to spread around the grain boundary.

4. In which type of dislocation an extra plane is inserted inside the crystal?

a) Edge dislocation
b) Screw dislocation
c) Jog dislocation
d) Mixed dislocation
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The edge defect is simply pictured as an additional half plane of atoms in a lattice. The
dislocations are termed a line defect because of the number of defective points created within the
lattice along a line. Hence, an extra plane of atoms is added inside the crystal in this type of defect.

5. What is the difference between the angle of Burgers vector and dislocation line in edge dislocation
and screw dislocation?
a) -90 degrees
b) 0 degrees
c) 45 degrees
d) 90 degrees
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The angle between Burgers vector and dislocation line in edge dislocation is 90 degrees
while the angle between burger vector and dislocation line for screw dislocation is 0 degree. To find
the difference we have subtract 0 from 90, giving us 90 degrees as our final answer.

6. To determine yield strength of a material which of the following needn’t be affected?

a) Solute hardening
b) Precipitation hardening
c) Work hardening
d) Martensic transformation
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Burgers vector plays an important role in determining yield strength by affecting solute
hardening, precipitation hardening and work hardening. Martensic transformation which refers to
quenching from high temperature doesn’t play any role in the determination of yield strength.

7. In which type of dislocation planes are displaced relative to each other through shear?
a) Edge dislocation
b) Screw dislocation
c) Jog dislocation
d) Mixed dislocation
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: In screw dislocation, planes are displaced relative to each other through shear. The
trace of the atomic planes around the screw dislocation makes spiral or whorled path sort of
resembling a screw and hence, it is named screw dislocation.

8. In an edge dislocation, a helical path is traced around the dislocation line.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: A helical path is traced along the dislocation line in screw dislocation whereas in edge
dislocation a new additional half plane of an atom is inserted and a screw like path is not traced by
the dislocation.

9. Which of the following is fields are not present for edge dislocation?
a) Tensile
b) Compressive
c) Shear stress
d) Strain
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: In the edge dislocation, tensile, compressive and shear stress field are present due to an
additional half plane of atom added because of which stresses are produced but no strain is
produced because of an edge dislocation.

10. Which of the following is fields are present for screw dislocation?
a) Tensile
b) Compressive
c) Shear stress
d) Strain
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: As in screw dislocation a helical path is traced along a dislocation line, there is only
presence of shear stress field and no compressive, tensile or strain field is produced. Shear stress
field is produced due to the spiral aspect of this type of dislocation.

11. Which of the following dislocation can glide but not climb?
a) Screw dislocation
b) Edge dislocation
c) Jog dislocation
d) Mixed dislocation
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Screw dislocation can only glide in a crystal lattice along the helical path while edge
dislocations can glide and climb as there is an extra plane of atom present.

12. What are the dislocation in which the line direction and Burgers vector are neither perpendicular
nor parallel?
a) Screw dislocation
b) Edge dislocation
c) Jog dislocation
d) Mixed dislocation
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Mixed dislocation are dislocation consisting of both screw and edge dislocation
character where in screw dislocation the line direction and burger vector are parallel and for edge
dislocation it is perpendicular. Therefore, the angle between line direction and Burgers vector is
neither perpendicular nor parallel.

13. Which of the following can be theoretical shear stress produced in metals? ( GPa stands for Giga
pascal)
a) 10 GPa
b) 32 GPa
c) 2 GPa
d) 50 GPa
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The theoretical shear stress is in the range of 3 Gpa to 30 GPa. 10GPa is the only option
which lies within that range while 32 GPa, 2 GPa and 50 GPa are beyond the range in which the
theoretical shear stress can lie for pure metal.

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Interfacial
Defects”.

1. Annealing twins which are found in metal have which type of crystal structure?
a) BCC
b) FCC
c) HCP
d) HCP and BCC
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Annealing twins are predominantly found in Face-Centered Cubic structure (FCC)
metals.

2. At room temperature what is an approximate order of vibration frequency in vibration per

second?
a) 1013
b) 1010
c) 104
d) 107
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Since amplitude vibration is few thousands of nanometre at room temperature. The
frequency of the periodic motion is known as a vibration frequency.

3. In polymeric material the surface of which type of layer is considered to be an interfacial defect?
a) Chain ends
b) Short side branches
c) Main chain unit
d) Chain folded layer
View answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Chain folded layers create/ are boundaries between two crystalline regions which
results in the interfacial defect.

4. Which type of boundary exists in multiphase materials across which there is a sudden change in
physical/chemical properties?
a) Phase boundary
b) Chain folded layer
c) Domain wall
d) Grain boundary
View answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Chain folded layers are boundaries in case of polymeric materials. Domain wall deals
with ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic materials and multiphase deals with phase boundary.

5. What is the density of polycrystalline specimen virtually identical to?

a) Singe crystal of different material
b) Single crystal of same material
c) Different crystal of different material
d) Different crystal of same material
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Single crystal of same material will have the same crystalline structure so their density
will be identical.

6. Which type of boundary causes a constant angle of tilt between lattice planes of the same type in
adjacent regions of the sample?
a) Twinning boundary
b) Tilt boundary
c) Grain boundary
d) Domain wall
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: When a small grain boundary is formed due to tilt in the angle of orientation is called
tilt boundary. A Twin Boundary happens when the crystals on either side of a plane are mirror
images of each other.

7. Volume defect or bulk defects are which dimension defect?

a) 1 dimension
b) 2 dimension
c) 3 dimension
d) 4 dimension
View answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Volume defects are three dimensional defects. Interfacial defects are two dimensional.
In short volume defect is an application of interfacial defect.

8. Interfacial defect does not include which of the following defect?

a) Grain boundary
b) Twin boundary
c) Phase boundary
d) Volume defect
View answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Interfacial defects are 2 dimensional defects whereas volume defect is 3 dimensional
defects. Grain boundary, Twin boundary and Phase boundary are types of interfacial defect.

9. What will be the interfacial energy for domain wall?

a) Greatest compared to other interfacial defects
b) Least compared to other interfacial defects
c) Less than external surface but more than other interfacial defects
d) Less than the external surface and grain boundary but more than other interfacial defects
View answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Domain wall is the boundary that separates the region having a different direction of
magnetization in case of ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic material. Hence interfacial energy is least
in case of a domain. As magnetization energy is less compared to other energies.

10. Which dimension defect are interfacial defects?

a) 2 dimension
b) 1 dimension
c) 3 dimension
d) 4 dimension
View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Interfacial defect are boundary defect that has 2 dimension and normally separate
regions of the materials that have different crystal structures and/or crystallographic orientations.
These imperfections include external surfaces, grain boundaries, twin boundaries, stacking faults,
and phase boundaries.

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Stress and
Strain”.

1. Up to which point on the stress-strain curve is Hooke’s law valid?

a) Elastic limit
b) Yield point
c) Proportionality limit
d) Fracture point
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The proportionality limit is the point up till which the strain of an elastic body is
proportional to the stress applied on it. While elastic point is the point up till which the elastic
properties last. After fracture point the body breaks.

2. What is the unit for stress?

a) N/m2
b) Nm2
c) N/m
d) Nm
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Stress is basically forced upon the unit area. The dimension for force is N and the
dimension of area is m2. Therefore, the unit for stress is the dimension of force divided by that of
area which is N/mm2.

3. Strain is a dimensionless quantity.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Strain is defined as the deformation produced on a body due to stress divided by a
length of the body. Deformation due to longitudinal strength will have the same unit as that of
length of the body therefore, strain is a dimensionless quantity.

4. Which of the following relation is stated by Hooke’s law?

a) Stress is directly proportional to strain
b) Stress is inversely proportional to strain
c) Stress is directly proportional to square of strain
d) Stress is inversely proportional to square of strain
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: According to Hooke’s law, stress is directly proportional to strain and the ratio of stress
to strain is denoted by Y or E and is called Young’s Modulus oof elasticity.

5. Given the shear modulus(G) for aluminum as 2.4e +10 N/m2 and the shear strain is given as 6e-5.
What is the value for shear stress?
a) 13.4e+5 N/m2
b) 14.4e+5 N/m2
c) 12.4e+5 N/m2
d) 13.4e-5 N/m2
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Shear modulus is the ratio of shear stress and shear strain. Therefore, if we simply
multiply the shear modulus and shear strain we will obtain the shear stress. Hence the final answer
is 2.4e+10 x 6e-5 which gives us 14.4e+5 N/m2 as the final answer.

6. Which of the following can be the value of Poisson’s ratio for an engineering structure?
a) 2
b) 0.4
c) 29
d) 100
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The Poisson’s ratio for most of the engineering structure normally lies between 0.3 and
0.6. Therefore 2, 29, 100 cannot be valid values for Poisson’s ratio.

7. If the Poisson’s ratio is given as 0.3 and the Young’s modulus is given to 7e 10. What will be the
value for shear modulus?
a) 2.69e10 N/m2
b) 3.00e10 N/m2
c) 2.59e10 N/m2
d) 2.72e10 N/m2
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The relation between Young’s modulus, shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio are given by
v = E/2G – 1. Taking the 1 on the left side and rearranging we get G = E/2(1+v). Inserting the values
given in the question the answer comes out to be 2.69e 10 N/m2. Here E = Young’s modulus, G = shear
modulus and v = Poisson’s ratio.

8. Stress strain curve for cemented tungsten carbide is:

a) Hyperbola
b) Parabola
c) A curve
d) Straight line
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The stress-strain curve for cemented tungsten carbide is a straight line as being a brittle
material doesn’t have a plastic zone and therefore, it fractures after a certain load is applied.

9. Greater the angle of inclination of the stress strain curve less is the elasticity.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: IF the angle of inclination of a stress strain curve is high, the elastic zone of the material
is more as the curve starts curving after the elastic limit. Hence the elasticity of the material is high.

10. Which of the following is found out by calculating the area under the stress strain graph?
a) Toughness
b) Hardness
c) Endurance
d) Strength
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Toughness is measured by calculating the area under the stress strain graph and is
more for most ductile material than brittle material which has more toughness than ductile material.

This set of Advanced Materials Science Questions and Answers focuses on “Tension and
Compression Tests”.

1. Which of the following property cannot be determined by a tensile test?

a) Yield strain
b) Yield stress
c) Elastic limit
d) Limit of proportionality
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Tensile tests is used to determine different kinds of mechanical properties like yield
stress, elastic limit, maximum tensile strength, limit of proportionality.

2. Which type of load is applied in tensile testing?

a) Axial load
b) Shear load
c) Transverse load
d) Longitudinal load
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: An axial load is applied to the material to be tested when performing tensile testing and
the load is applied axially to the body to be tested.

3. Given the cross sectional are as 4 m2, what will be the gauge length?
a) 12.3 m
b) 13 m
c) 11.3 m
d) 12 m
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The formula for gauge length (Lo) is Lo= 5.65* root over of Area of cross section. We
know that under root 4 is 2, therefore 5.65*2 is equal to 11.3 m.

4. Which of the following does not affect the value of ultimate tensile strength?
a) Quality of surface finish
b) Speed of testing
c) Dimensional accuracy of the specimen
d) Length of the specimen
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The length of the specimen does not affect the value of ultimate tensile strength. While
the quality of surface finish, speed of testing, dimensional accuracy of the specimen affect the value
of ultimate tensile strength.

5. Which of the following is used to elongation in the material?

a) Clinometer
b) Extensiometer
c) Micrometer
d) Feeler gauge
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: An extensiometer is a gauge which is attached to the specimen and it gives us the value
of elongation in the body at a time. Feeler gauge and micrometer or clinometer cannot be used
during the testing.
6. The yield limit of compression and the tensile test can be different for the same material.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Titanium ( Ti ) is a material which shows different amount of yielding when subjected to
tensile testing compared to when it is subjected to compressive testing.

7. An UTM can be used to conduct both tensile and compressive testing.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: A universal testing machine can be used to conduct tests like tension, compression,
shear, friction, tear, stiffness. Many other such mechanical properties can be tested.

8. Which of the following factors do not affect the testing?

a) Temperature
b) Increase in number of axes for application of load
c) Fatigue
d) Pressure
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Increase in temperature and increase in the number of axes for load application can
affect the testing results in a tensile or compressive test.

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Torsional
Tests”.

1. Which of the following cannot be determined using a torsion test?

a) Modulus of elasticity in shear
b) Torsion yield strength
c) Modulus of rupture
d) Young’s modulus
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Modulus of elasticity in shear, torsion yield strength and modulus of rupture can all be
determined by performing torsion test on material.

2. What is the use of weight head in a torsion testing equipment?

a) Holding the job only
b) Holding the job and applying twisting moment
c) Holding the job and measuring the twisting moment
d) It is not a part of torsion testing equipment
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The main job of weight head is to hold the job and measure the twisting moment.while
twisting head holds the other end of job and applies twisting moment.

3. Which of the following is used to measure how much the specimen is twisted?
a) Micrometer
b) Clinometer
c) Troptometer
d) Tropometer
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Troptometer is an instrument which is used for measuring the angular distortion of the
material. Mocrometer and vernier callipers are used to measure length. Tropometer measures
amount of torsion for a bone.

4. Torsional stress multiplied with original cross sectional are is:

a) Maximum twisting load
b) Minimum twisting load
c) Minimum shear load
d) Yield shear load
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Torsional stress is given by the ratio of maximum twisting load and original are of cross
section of the material. Therefore, torsional stress multiplied with original cross sectional gives us
maximum twisting load.

5. Plastic deformation can only occur in case of torsional force.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The above given statement is false as plastic deformation can occur in case of tensile,
compressive and torsional load after a point. After this point, the body cannot recover its original
shape.

6. What is the unit of polar moment of inertia?

a) m2
b) m5
c) m3
d) m4
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Polar moment of inertia denoted by J, is given by integration of radius square with
respect to small area of cross-section. Hence the unit is (m)(m)(m) 2 which is equal to m4.

7. Shear stress on a solid bar and hollow bar is same for given dimension.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Shear stress for a hollow bar and a solid bar are different dimensions as the hollow bar
has two dimensions, outer and inner radius because of which calculation is different than the solid
bar which has only one diameter.

8. In which of the following the angle of twist increases fast for a small amount of torque?
a) Cold working condition
b) Hot working condition
c) Warm working condition
d) The increase is the same for cold working, hot working and warm working
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: When the torsion test is conducted in hot working, it is observed that for a slight
change in torque on the given specimen the angle of twist increase fast as the material becomes soft
at hot working temperatur

This set of Materials Science Questions and Answers for Aptitude test focuses on “Various
Mechanical Properties”.

1. Up till which point will a body regain its original shape?

a) Yield point
b) Elastic limit
c) Fracture limit
d) Ultimate tensile strength point
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Elastic limit is a point up till which the body can regain its original shape even after
deformation and change in shape. After this point the body cannot regain its original shape.

2. Plasticity increases with temperature.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Plasticity increase with temperature. Metals have high plasticity at high temperature.
Mainly manufacturing processes like forming, drawing, extrusion etc. are done after considering
plasticity.

3. Which of the following is not an evidence of plastic action on the material?

a) Yield
b) Plastic flow
c) Fatigue
d) Creep
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: When a body is acted upon by plastic actions, one of the following can be seen out of
yield, plastic flow and creep. Fatigue isn’t an evidence left after plastic action on a body.

4. Which of the following is the property because of which a material can be drawn into wires?
a) Ductility
b) Elasticity
c) Malleability
d) Strength
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Ductility is the physical property by which the material can be drawn in wires. None of
the other options matched this definition.

5. What is the unit of impact strength?

a) N/m
b) MN/m
c) MN/m2
d) N/m2
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The SI Unit for impact strength is expressed as MN/m 2. The unit in the numerator is
taken in mega newton as the force acting is very high in case of impact strength.

6. Arrange the following in increasing order of hardness: talc, gypsum, topaz diamond.
a) Talc, gypsum, topaz, diamond
b) Gypsum, topaz, talc, diamond
c) Diamond, topaz, talc, gypsum
d) Topaz, gypsum, talc, diamond
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Talc, gypsum, topaz and diamond is the correct order in which it is arranged in
increasing order of hardness.

7. How is brittleness related to impact strength?

a) Brittleness is directly proportional to impact strength
b) Brittleness is inversely proportional to impact strength
c) Brittleness is directly proportional to a square of impact strength
d) Brittleness is inversely proportional to a square of impact strength
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Brittleness is inversely proportional to the value of impact strength of the body that is
more the impact strength less is the brittleness and vice versa.

8. Which of the following properties is impact strength indicative of?

a) Elasticity
b) Hardness
c) Stiffness
d) Toughness
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Impact strength is indicative of toughness of material and is given by how much energy
the material can absorb while going through plastic deformation.

9. Which of the following is not a correct designation of impact strength?

a) KCU
b) KCV
c) KCT
d) KCW
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The first two letter signify that it is impact strength and KC are used for that. The third
letter signifies the type of notch used, for example, U notch signify that the notch is U shaped.

10. KCU is used more than the other KCT and KCV.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: This statement is true as KCU is more broadly used for impact strength while KCT and
KCV are used in special cases.

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Design and
Safety Factors”.

1. Which of the following is the numerator of factor safety formula?

a) Working stress
b) Shear stress
c) Tensile stress
d) Ultimate stress
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Factor of safety is defined as ratio of ultimate stress and working stress. It is also called
as factor of ignorance. The factor of safety is dependent on the type of load.

2. Which of the following can be the factor of safety for a dead load?
a) 6
b) 2
c) 4
d) 7
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: For dead load, the range in which the factor of safety can lie is 4 to 5. Therefore only 4
lies in that range and 6, 2, 7 are all values which are beyond that range.
3. Which of the following can be the factor of safety for shock loading?
a) 11
b) 13
c) 4
d) 7
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: For shock loading, the range in which the factor of safety can lie is 12 to 15. Therefore
only 13 lies in that range and 11, 4, 7 are all values which are beyond that range.

4. Factor of safety is used to find out the reliability of the design.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Factor of safety tells us about how much load the material can take before it fails.
Basically, it states the load carrying capacity of a material beyond the actual load.

5. What can understand by the factor of safety equal to one?

a) It means that the structure will fail under load
b) It means that the structure will only support the actual load
c) it means that the structure will support more than the actual load
d) There is no relation between factor safety and load application
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: When the factor of safety is one it means that the ultimate stress is equal to the
working stress and therefore the body can only support load up to actual load and no more before
failing.

6. For which of the following design factor of safety the design will work properly?
a) 0.1
b) 1
c) 2
d) 0.9
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: If the design factor of safety is not more than 1 then the design may not work and will
fail under certain conditions.

7. What is a safe factor of failure for a component which on failure can result in financial loss or
serious injury?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: For components which on failing can be hazardous and can lead to serious injuries,
death and financial loss, the factor of safety should be taken equal to or more than 4.

8. Design factor for most aircraft structures is 2.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The design factor of safety for most aircraft structures or components is taken to be 1.5
and not 2. More factors affect this value, but it is most of the time taken as 1.5.

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Concept of
Dislocations”.

1. Edge dislocation and skew dislocation are linear crystalline defects.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Line defects are mainly dislocations which can be broadly classified into two distinct
defects. These two dislocations are called edge dislocation and screw dislocation.

2. In which type of dislocation an extra plane is inserted inside the crystal?

a) Edge dislocation
b) Screw dislocation
c) Jog dislocation
d) Mixed dislocation
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The edge defect is simply pictured as an additional half plane of atoms in a lattice. The
dislocations are termed a line defect because of the number of defective points created within the
lattice along a line. Hence, an extra plane of atoms is added inside the crystal in this type of defect.

3. What is the difference between the angle of Burgers vector and dislocation line in edge dislocation
and screw dislocation?
a) -90 degrees
b) 0 degrees
c) 45 degrees
d) 90 degrees
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The angle between Burgers vector and dislocation line in edge dislocation is 90 degrees
while the angle between burger vector and dislocation line for screw dislocation is 0 degree. To find
the difference we have subtract 0 from 90, giving us 90 degrees as our final answer.
4. In which type of dislocation planes are displaced relative to each other through shear?
a) Edge dislocation
b) Screw dislocation
c) Jog dislocation
d) Mixed dislocation
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: In screw dislocation, planes are displaced relative to each other through shear. The
trace of the atomic planes around the screw dislocation makes spiral or whorled path sort of
resembling a screw and hence, it is name screw dislocation.

5. In edge dislocation, a helical path is traced around the dislocation line.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: A helical path is traced along the dislocation line in screw dislocation whereas in edge
dislocation a new additional half plane of atom is inserted and a screw like path is not traced by the
dislocation.

6. Which of the following is fields are not present for edge dislocation?
a) Tensile
b) Compressive
c) Shear stress
d) Strain
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: In an edge dislocation, tensile, compressive and shear stress field are present due to
additional half plane of atom added because of which stresses are produced but no strain is
produced because of the edge dislocation.

7. Which of the following is fields are present for screw dislocation?

a) Tensile
b) Compressive
c) Shear stress
d) Strain
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: As in screw dislocation a helical path is traced along a dislocation line, there is only
presence of shear stress field and no compressive, tensile or strain field is produced. Shear stress
field is produced due to the spiral aspect of this type of dislocation.

8. Which of the following dislocation can glide but not climb?

a) Screw dislocation
b) Edge dislocation
c) Jog dislocation
d) Mixed dislocation
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Screw dislocation can only glide in a crystal lattice along the helical path while edge
dislocations can glide and climb as there is an extra plane of atom present.

9. What is the dislocation in which the line direction and Burgers vector are neither perpendicular
nor parallel?
a) Screw dislocation
b) Edge dislocation
c) Jog dislocation
d) Mixed dislocation
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Mixed dislocations are dislocation consisting of both screw and edge dislocation
character where in screw dislocation the line direction and burger vector are parallel and for edge
dislocation it is perpendicular. Therefore, the angle between line direction and Burgers vector is
neither perpendicular nor parallel.

10. What can be the unit of dislocation density?

a) mm-2
b) mm-3
c) mm2
d) mm
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Dislocation density is defined as the total dislocation length per unit volume and unit of
length is mm and that of volume is mm 3 therefore, the unit of dislocation density will be mm -2.

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Slip
Systems”.

1. Slip plane along with the direction of slip is called a slip system.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Slip system is a combination of a slip plane and the slip direction for which the
dislocation moves easily and leads to plastic deformation. For each crystal structure there exists its
own set of slip systems.

2. How many slip system are there in FCC lattice?

a) 12
b) 6
c) 10
d) 18
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The number of slip planes are four and the number of slip direction are three in an FCC
lattice. Therefore the total number of slip system is given by their multiplication that is twelve.

3. Slip planes do not occur where ______

a) Atom density is high
b) Atom density is low
c) Atoms are closely placed
d) direction of slip plane is the same as the translation vector which is the shortest
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Slip planes occur in planes where the atom density is high and hence the atoms are
closely packed. Further, the direction of slip plane is the same as that of the translation vector which
is the shortest.

4. Which law is related to slip plane and slip direction?

a) Bragg’s law
b) Fick’s law
c) Schmid’s law
d) Such a law doesn’t exist
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Schmid’s law gives us a relation between critically resolved shear stress and stress
applied on the material. Where critical resolved shear stress is that component of shear stress which
is in the slip direction.

5. Which of the following factors are more accurate when used for polycrystal metals?
a) Schmid’s factor
b) Taylor factor
c) Independent factor
d) Max factor
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Schmid’s factor is accurate for FCC crystal but for polycrystal metals use of the Taylor
factor gives us a more accurate result.

6. Value of critical resolved shear stress for a given material at a given temperature ______
a) Increases with time
b) Decreases with time
c) Decreases harshly with time
d) Remains constant
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The critical resolved shear stress is independent of time and for a given material at a
given temperature its value remains constant. It varies with a change in temperature.

7. Which of the following stresses is required for the slip to occur?

a) Tensile stress
b) Compressive stress
c) Critical resolved shear stress
d) Slip doesn’t occur due to stress
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: A critical resolved shear stress is that component of shear stress which is in the slip
direction and hence needed for a slip to occur. Tensile or compressive stress aren’t needed for a slip.

8. How many slip systems are there in BCC lattice?

a) 36
b) 48
c) 24
d) 18
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The number of slip plane is 48 for a BCC material. There are 6 planes of type {110} with
2 direction which gives us 12, in addition, there are 24 systems of {123} and 12 systems of {112}.
Hence we get a total of 48.

9. How many slip systems are there in hexagonal closed packed crystal?
a) 3
b) 6
c) 9
d) 18
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: In a hexagonal closed packed structure the slip is limited in comparison to bcc or fcc
and allows slip in dense basal planes where the number of slip planes are calculated to be 3.

10. Slip is important for deformation to occur.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The above statement is true. Slip is the mechanism that is followed by the dislocation
when under plastic force to undergo deformation which can be seen on a three-dimensional level
due to these microscopic slips.