What does the modulus of elasticity measure in materials?

The modulus of elasticity measures the stiffness of a material and its ability to deform elastically when subjected to stress. When a material is subjected to an elastic load, it deforms in a way that is proportional to the applied stress, and it returns to its original shape once the load is removed. This property is quantified through the modulus of elasticity, which is defined as the ratio of stress (force per unit area) to strain (deformation relative to original length) in the elastic region of the material's stress-strain curve. A higher modulus indicates a stiffer material that will deform less under a given load, while a lower modulus suggests a material that will deform more easily. Understanding the modulus of elasticity is crucial in fields such as engineering and materials science when selecting materials for specific applications.