Which term describes the ability of a material to bend and then to return to its original shape and size?

Which term describes the ability of a material to bend and then to return to its original shape and size?

• A. Elasticity
• B. Plasticity
• C. Ductility
• D. Malleability

Answer: (A)

Elasticity is the property that lets a material bend or stretch under a load and then spring back to its original shape and size when the load is removed. This recoverable deformation happens while the stress stays within the elastic range, below the point where permanent change begins. If you push beyond that limit, the material undergoes plastic deformation and won’t return completely to its original form. Ductility and malleability describe other kinds of permanent deformation—ductility is the ability to be drawn into a wire, and malleability is the ability to be hammered into sheets. So, the term that matches bending and returning to the original shape is elasticity.

Elasticity is the property that lets a material bend or stretch under a load and then spring back to its original shape and size when the load is removed. This recoverable deformation happens while the stress stays within the elastic range, below the point where permanent change begins. If you push beyond that limit, the material undergoes plastic deformation and won’t return completely to its original form. Ductility and malleability describe other kinds of permanent deformation—ductility is the ability to be drawn into a wire, and malleability is the ability to be hammered into sheets. So, the term that matches bending and returning to the original shape is elasticity.