Question

The forces responsible for a body regaining its shape after removal of deforming forces are ________

(a) gravitational forces between atoms

(b) electromagnetic forces between atoms

(c) nuclear forces within an atom

(d) combination of gravitational & nuclear forces between atoms

I had been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

Origin of the question is Elastic Behaviour of Solids in chapter Mechanical Properties of Solids of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Right answer is (b) electromagnetic forces between atoms

To explain I would say: In a solid body, the atoms are held together in structures by interatomic forces which are electromagnetic in nature. When forces deform the solid structure, the atoms are displaced from their equilibrium positions. On removal of these external forces the atoms try to regain their original positions because of these intermolecular forces.