A basic law of physics that deals with the relationship between stress and strain. Hooke’s law explains that the strain within a material (the amount the material deforms) is directly proportional to the amount of stress that causes the deformation. This is true only until the material reaches its elastic limit.

When the stress that strains a material within its elastic limit is removed, the material will return to its original size and shape. But, if the material is strained beyond its elastic limit, it will not return to its original size and shape, but will be permanently deformed.