The formation of cavities or holes in the surface of a material is called ________.

• A. Pitting
• B. Cratering
• C. Erosion
• D. Chalking

Answer: (A)

Pitting is a localized form of surface damage where cavities or pits develop on the material’s surface. It occurs when corrosive elements attack tiny flaws or inclusions, causing small holes that can deepen over time even if the surrounding area looks mostly intact. This makes pitting the precise term for cavities or holes formed on a surface, especially in metals exposed to corrosive environments.

Erosion involves material removal by moving fluids or particles and tends to produce broader wear rather than discrete pits. Chalking is the surface degrading into a powdery layer, not holes. Cratering describes crater‑like pits usually from impact or high-energy processes, which isn’t the typical case for small surface cavities caused by corrosion. So the formation of cavities or holes is pitting.