Elastic deformation is a temporary change in the shape or size of a material when a force is applied. When the force is removed, the material returns to its original shape. This behavior is typical in materials like rubber and certain metals, which can stretch or compress without permanent damage. The concept of elastic deformation is described by Hooke's Law, which states that the amount of deformation is proportional to the applied force, as long as the material remains within its elastic limit. Beyond this limit, materials may undergo plastic deformation, leading to permanent changes in shape.