Design and Technology A-Level
Toughness
What Toughness means in Design and Technology A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Toughness
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The ability of a material to absorb energy and resist fracturing when subjected to a sudden impact.
The ability of a material to absorb energy and resist fracturing or shattering under impact.
The ability of a material to absorb impact energy and resist fracturing or shattering.
The ability of a material to absorb energy and deform plastically before fracturing.
The ability of a material to absorb impact energy without fracturing or shattering.
The ability of a material to absorb impact force and resist fracturing.
Topics that use Toughness
- Part 1: Identifying and outlining possibilities for design (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 2: Performance characteristics of materials (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 3: Processes and techniques (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 4: Digital technologies (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 5: Factors influencing the development of products (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 8: Features of manufacturing industries (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 9: Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
Using Toughness in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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