Which of the following terms refers to a method of testing that alters the state of the material being tested?

Destructive testing is a method of testing that involves applying a force, stress, or other factors to the material until it fails or yields, which changes the state of the material. This type of testing is used to determine the material's mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, yield strength, and ductility. Since the material cannot be used after it has been subjected to destructive testing, it is particularly important in applications where understanding the limits and capabilities of a material is essential.

This differs significantly from nondestructive testing, which is designed to evaluate the properties of a material without causing any permanent damage. Methods such as visual testing and automated testing can be part of nondestructive testing approaches and focus on detecting flaws or characteristics without changing the material state. Consequently, destructive testing is crucial in scenarios where understanding the failure modes and limits of materials is necessary, even though the material is rendered unusable.