Elasticity (physics)

Elasticity is a material’s ability to recover its original shape after a deforming load is removed. It arises from reversible changes in the distances and interactions between atoms or molecules.

Stress (mechanics): Stress is force transmitted per unit area within a material. Applied stress drives elastic deformation and determines the material’s response.
Plastic deformation: Plastic deformation is a permanent change in shape that remains after the load is removed. It begins when deformation no longer fully recovers.
Elastic modulus: An elastic modulus is a measure of a material’s stiffness under a specified mode of deformation. The family of moduli summarizes elastic stiffness beyond stretching alone.
Rubber elasticity: Rubber elasticity is the large, reversible deformation of elastomers, driven mainly by changes in polymer-chain configurations. Rubber demonstrates large recoverable strains unlike most crystalline solids.
Strain (mechanics): Strain measures deformation as a dimensionless change in length, shape, or volume. It quantifies the deformation that remains reversible within the elastic range.
Yield strength: Yield strength is the stress at which a material begins substantial permanent deformation. It marks the practical limit of elastic behavior in many materials.
Shear modulus: Shear modulus is the ratio of shear stress to shear strain in a linearly elastic material. It predicts resistance to shape changes such as twisting.
Elasticity of metals: Elasticity of metals is their reversible deformation under stress, governed by atomic bonding and crystal structure. Metal behavior illustrates small-strain elasticity and its transition toward yielding.
Hooke's law: Hooke's law states that, within an elastic range, deformation is proportional to the applied force or stress. It describes the simplest linear relationship between load and elastic deformation.
Elastic limit: The elastic limit is the greatest stress a material can withstand without permanent deformation. It defines the boundary between complete recovery and residual strain.

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