Final answer:
The aspect ratio (option A) of a female mold is the correct term for the ratio of the maximum cavity depth to the minimum span across the top opening. Other options such as strain rate, Poisson's ratio, and compression ratio pertain to material properties and different contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aspect ratio of a female mold is the ratio of the maximum cavity depth to the minimum span across the top opening. Hence, the correct answer to the student's question is: A) Aspect ratio.
Aspect ratio is a key design parameter in mold design and also in various fields involving structural dimensions, including aeronautics, architecture, and product design. It influences the strength, stability, and flow of material into the mold. Meanwhile, Strain rate refers to the rate at which deformation occurs in a material under stress, while Poisson's ratio is a measure of the deformation in the transverse direction as a material is compressed or expanded. The Compression ratio, although applicable in different contexts such as engines, does not relate to the mold dimensions.