The property by which a material returns to its original shape after the removal of force is called Elasticity.
Let's break it down:
Elasticity: This is a property of a material that allows it to return to its original shape or size after the force that caused deformation is removed. Think of a rubber band—you can stretch it, but once you let it go, it snaps back to its initial shape.
Ductility: This property refers to a material's ability to be stretched into a wire. For example, materials like copper are ductile because they can be drawn into thin wires without breaking.
Malleability: This is a material's ability to withstand deformation under compressive stress. It is the property that allows metals to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. Gold is a good example of a malleable metal.
Plasticity: This property describes the material's ability to undergo permanent deformation without breaking. When a plastic region is reached, the material will not return to its original shape after the removal of force.
Therefore, when we speak of a material returning to its original shape after the removal of force, we are specifically referring to Elasticity.