Which statement best characterizes elastic materials?

Elastic materials are best characterized by their ability to return to their original shape after being deformed. When force is applied to an elastic material, it changes shape, but when the force is removed, the material recovers to its initial configuration. This property is crucial in various applications, such as in springs, rubber bands, and other flexible bodies, where maintaining original dimensions after stress is essential for function.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature of elastic materials. For instance, breaking easily does not define elasticity, as many elastic materials can withstand a significant amount of stress before failure. Similarly, while elastic materials do change shape temporarily, they do not remain in that altered state once the stress is removed. The assertion that elastic materials only expand under pressure is also misleading, as they can contract and elongate depending on the type of force applied. Thus, the defining characteristic is truly their capacity to revert to their original shape following deformation.