Which statement about the three stages of a creep curve (strain versus time) measured at constant load and temperature is correct?

Answer: B. In transient creep the strain rate gradually decreases, in steady-state creep work hardening and recovery balance so the rate is nearly constant, and in accelerating creep the rate rises until rupture

After the instantaneous strain on loading, in transient creep work hardening from multiplying and tangling dislocations outweighs recovery, and the strain rate gradually falls. In steady-state creep, work hardening and recovery by processes such as dislocation climb balance, so the strain rate is at its minimum and nearly constant. This stage occupies most of the life, so design uses the steady-state (minimum) creep rate. In accelerating creep, the nucleation and coalescence of voids on grain boundaries, the loss of cross section by necking and microstructural degradation raise the strain rate until rupture. The description with the rate trends reversed confuses the order of the stages. Steady state means the strain rate is constant, not that the strain stops.