A body is said to be perfectly elastic if it recovers its original shape/size when the deforming force is removed.
Elasticity
Elasticity is the property of a body to regain its original shape and size when deforming forces are removed. It exhibits an opposition to change. Elasticity is the ability of a body to resist any permanent changes to it when stress is applied.
Key points
- All materials have an elastic limit beyond which, if continuous stress is applied, they will start losing their ability to exhibit perfect elastic behaviour and start deforming.
- When an external force is applied to a rigid body there is a change in its length, volume (or) shape.