Which statement best describes a perfectly elastic material?

A perfectly elastic material is one that deforms under load but returns to its original shape and dimensions once that load is removed. This behavior is in line with the definition of perfect elasticity, where the material shows no permanent deformation.

When we consider the statement that accurately captures this characteristic, it aligns with the idea that a perfectly elastic material shows no sign of strain due to loading when the load is removed. This means that after the load is taken away, the material restores itself completely to its initial state without any residual deformation.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the properties of a perfectly elastic material. A statement regarding maintaining a new length or shape after the load is removed would instead describe a plastic material, which does not return to its original form. Limiting loading to the yield point suggests that elastic behavior is restricted, which is not a characteristic of a perfectly elastic material. Lastly, stating that a perfectly elastic material will take any shape due to elastic ability inaccurately suggests that the material can become deformed indefinitely, which contradicts its defining property of reverting to its original state.