Which term refers to 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 elasticity. This property is crucial in materials science and engineering because it defines how a material behaves under stress. When a material is subjected to a force that causes deformation, elasticity allows it to revert to its initial configuration after the force is removed, as long as the material has not exceeded its elastic limit.

Elastic materials can withstand temporary changes in shape while still maintaining their structural integrity. This property is essential in various applications, such as springs, rubber bands, and components subjected to cyclic loading, where the ability to bounce back is necessary for performance and reliability. Understanding elasticity also helps engineers select the right materials for specific applications, ensuring that they can endure required stresses without permanent deformation.

In contrast, plasticity refers to the permanent deformation of a material when subjected to stress beyond its yield point, meaning it will not return to its original form. Ductility describes a material's ability to undergo significant plastic deformation before rupture, typically associated with metals that can be drawn into wires. Brittleness, on the other hand, represents a material's tendency to fracture or break without significant deformation when stressed. Each of these properties plays a different role in material performance, but only elasticity directly