Final answer:
Elastic rebound is the geological process in which a slab of rock returns to its stress-free shape. This process is observed in earthquakes, where stress causes rocks to deform and store energy before eventually fracturing and releasing that energy. Rocks undergo elastic deformation, meaning they can return to their original shape after the stress is removed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geological process that involves a slab of rock returning to its original stress-free shape is known as elastic rebound. This process occurs when stress is applied to a rock, causing it to deform and store energy. When the stress becomes too great, the rock fractures and releases the stored energy, causing it to return to its original shape.
An example of elastic rebound in action is an earthquake. The movement of tectonic plates builds up stress along the faults. Eventually, the stress overcomes the strength of the rock and causes it to break, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves.
In this process, the rocks undergoes elastic deformation, which means that it can return to its original shape once the stress is removed. This is in contrast to plastic deformation, where the rocks permanently change their shape.
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