Which term describes a force that can change an object's shape, like that of a bungee cord?

The term that describes a force capable of changing an object's shape, such as that of a bungee cord, is elastic. Elasticity refers to the ability of materials to return to their original shape after being stretched or deformed. When a bungee cord is stretched during a jump, it undergoes a change in shape due to the applied force, and once the force is removed, it contracts back to its original form. This property is inherent in elastic materials.

In contrast, kinetic refers to the energy of motion, associated with moving objects rather than the change of shape of an object. Potential energy is related to the position or state of an object, often in relation to gravity or other forces, rather than its ability to change shape. Magnetic refers to forces related to magnetic fields and does not apply to how materials stretch or compress. Understanding the concept of elasticity is vital in physics, particularly in explaining the behavior of materials under different forces.