What does a high level of toughness indicate about a material?

A high level of toughness in a material indicates that it can absorb energy and resist fracture, making it particularly advantageous in applications where a material may be subjected to dynamic or shock loads. Toughness combines two properties: strength and ductility. While a tough material can withstand considerable stress without breaking, it is also able to deform slightly under that stress rather than simply cracking or shattering. This characteristic is essential in applications like engineering structures, safety equipment, and components that need to endure various forces without failing. Tough materials play a crucial role in ensuring longevity and safety in their intended uses, which is why option C accurately describes the implications of high toughness.