Which term describes the ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation?

The term that describes the ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation is elastic deformation. When a material undergoes elastic deformation, it can stretch or compress under applied stress and will revert to its original dimensions once that stress is removed. This characteristic is crucial in many applications, where temporary changes in shape or size are acceptable provided the material can regain its original form once the load is removed.

In contrast, plastic deformation occurs when a material is permanently deformed and does not return to its original shape after the load is lifted. Brittle deformation refers to materials that break or shatter with little to no prior plastic deformation, and thus they do not return to their original shape but instead fail completely. Fracture deformation signifies the point at which a material has cracked or broken, which is also a permanent change. Understanding these differences is essential in fields where material properties are critical to functionality and safety.