Which option is a nondestructive examination method?

• A. Radiography
• B. Destructive Testing
• C. Hardness Testing
• D. Tensile Testing

Answer: (A)

Nondestructive examination methods evaluate a component without altering its ability to function. Radiography uses X‑rays or gamma rays to image the interior of a part, revealing cracks, porosity, or improper welds while leaving the part intact and usable after the inspection. Destructive testing, by contrast, requires damaging or destroying the specimen to measure properties, so the part can’t be used afterward. Tensile testing specifically pulls the specimen until it fails, which is clearly destructive. Hardness testing assesses surface hardness with an indentation and, although it usually doesn’t render the part unusable, it’s a material property test rather than an internal flaw inspection. Therefore, radiography is the nondestructive examination method.