Stiffness is a measure of how much an object resists deformation when a force is applied. It is an important property in materials science and engineering, as it helps determine how materials will behave under stress. Stiffness is often quantified using the modulus of elasticity, which indicates how much a material will stretch or compress when a load is applied. In everyday life, stiffness can be observed in various objects, such as rubber bands and metal beams. A rubber band is flexible and stretches easily, showing low stiffness, while a metal beam is rigid and resists bending, demonstrating high stiffness. Understanding stiffness helps in designing structures and products that can withstand forces without failing.