The sacrificial part in a bolt assembly used to mount a part is the

• A. Nut
• B. Bolt
• C. Spring
• D. Washer

Answer: (D)

Washer as the sacrificial element sits between the fastener and the mounting surface to take wear and protect what you’re anchoring. It spreads the clamping load over a larger area so the surface underneath isn’t gouged or indentured by the bolt head or nut. If something gets misaligned or the joint begins to wear, the washer is the part designed to deform or wear first, absorbing damage and making the rest of the joint easier to service. That keeps the bolt threads, the mounting surface, and the part itself safer from damage. The nut and bolt are the fastener components intended to endure the load, and a spring’s job is to maintain tension, not to act as a wear-prone sacrificial surface.