Distinguish between elasticity and plasticity

ELASTICITY

The property by which a body regains is original shape and size after removal of deforming force is called as elasticity

The restoring forces developed in the body are strong enough to bring the displaced molecules to their original positions, and hence helps the object in regaining the original dimension when the external deforming forces are removed

Examples are metals, rubber, quartz etc

PLASTICITY

The property by which a body does not regain original shape or size after removal of deforming force is called as plasticity

The restoring forces developed in the body are not so strong and hence it fails to bring the molecules back to the original positions, and hence object remains deformed after removal of external applied force.

Examples are clay, putty, thick mud etc