Which term is used to describe the maximum amount of strain energy a material can absorb before it fractures?

The term that describes the maximum amount of strain energy a material can absorb before it fractures is the modulus of toughness. This property quantifies a material's ability to withstand deformation and absorb energy up to the point of fracture. The modulus of toughness is particularly important in applications where materials are subjected to high stress and strain, as it reflects how much energy a material can absorb without failing.

In contrast, the elastic limit refers to the maximum stress a material can withstand while still returning to its original shape upon unloading, so it does not account for energy absorption leading to fracture. Ultimate strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand before failure but does not provide insight into the energy aspect. Yield point refers to the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically, meaning it will not return to its original shape, and again, like the elastic limit, it does not address the total energy absorption capabilities of the material. Thus, modulus of toughness is the most comprehensive measure of energy absorption before failure occurs, making it the correct choice.