What is meant by the term 'elastic limit'?

The term 'elastic limit' refers to the maximum stress that a material can endure while still returning to its original shape and size once the applied stress is removed. This point marks the boundary between elastic and plastic deformation; within this limit, the material will deform elastically, meaning it can recover completely when the stress is released. If the stress exceeds this limit, the material will undergo plastic deformation, resulting in permanent changes to its shape.

Understanding the elastic limit is crucial in material science and engineering, as it helps in selecting materials for applications where maintaining structural integrity under stress is vital. The other options do not accurately define the elastic limit; they focus on aspects such as reuse, failure temperature, or the conditions for deformation, none of which align with the specific behavior of materials relating to the elastic limit.