What does the modulus of elasticity measure?

The modulus of elasticity is a fundamental property that quantifies a material's stiffness or its ability to resist deformation when subjected to an applied load. Specifically, it defines the relationship between stress (force per unit area) and strain (deformation or displacement per unit length) in the elastic region of the material's behavior. A high modulus of elasticity indicates that a material is stiff and will deform less under load, while a lower value suggests a more flexible or elastic material that will deform more easily. This measurement is crucial in engineering and materials science because it helps predict how a material will behave under various loads and is essential for designing structures and components that need to maintain their shape and integrity under stress.