What type of testing material would show less indentation under load?

The correct answer identifies a harder material as the type that would show less indentation under load. Materials that are classified as hard possess a higher resistance to deformation when subjected to stress. This characteristic is largely due to their molecular structure, which provides greater strength and makes them less prone to yielding or creating impressions when a force is applied.

In practical applications, harder materials tend to be used in situations where durability and wear resistance are critical, such as in tool-making or surface coatings. This means they will maintain their shape and surface integrity better than softer materials when subjected to loads.

Softer materials, by contrast, tend to deform easily and will show greater indentation when weight or pressure is applied. Brittle materials may resist deformation until they reach their fracture point, but under load, they can fail without showing much indentation. Ductile materials, while capable of absorbing energy and deforming plastically, will not perform as well under load in terms of resisting indentation compared to harder materials.