Question

What is the property called by which the body regains its original shape and size after the removal of deforming force?

Answer 1

We will answer about the property called by which the body regains its original shape and size after the removal of deforming force by first giving a small explanation about rigid bodies, so that we can easily relate to the answer. Then we will give an answer and further discuss the same in detail.

Complete step by step solution:
When external forces occur on a body, the relative locations of its constituent particles stay unaltered, which is known as rigidity. All real bodies can be distorted by applying a deforming force, hence they are not perfectly rigid. Because of the restoring forces set up inside the body, when the deforming forces are withdrawn, the bodies return to their previous condition.
This property is called elasticity. Let us discuss in detail, In a body, the restoring force is equivalent to and opposes the deforming force. Elasticity is the property of a body that allows it to restore its previous shape or size after deforming forces are removed.

Additional Information:
There is another term called plasticity. Plasticity is the property of a body that allows it to stay deformed after the deforming forces have been eliminated. A body is said to be totally plastic if it completely retains its modified position after the deforming forces have been removed. There are no perfect plastic bodies in nature. Putty is the closest thing to a perfect plastic body. Clay, wax, wheat dough, butter, and other similar materials are examples of nearly perfect plastic bodies.

Note:
Remember that there are no perfectly elastic bodies in nature. A 'quartz fiber' is the closest thing to a fully elastic body.
Also don’t think that real bodies are elastic, Real-life bodies aren't perfectly elastic or plastic. They have some elasticity or in other words they are partially elastic.