The ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation is known as?

The correct term for the ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation is elasticity. When a material is subjected to stress, such as tension or compression, it undergoes deformation. If the deformation is elastic, it means the material will return to its original dimensions once the stress is removed.

Elasticity is a crucial property in many engineering applications, as it ensures that structural components can withstand load without permanently changing shape, maintaining their integrity and functionality. This property is quantified in many materials by the modulus of elasticity, which is a measure of how much a material will deform under a given stress.

In contrast, stiffness refers to a material's resistance to deformation, while plasticity denotes the ability of a material to undergo irreversible deformation. Ductility is a specific type of plasticity that refers to a material's ability to deform under tensile stress, such as being stretched into wires. Understanding these distinct properties is essential in materials science and engineering design.