Which term describes the flexibility of a structure?

The term that describes the flexibility of a structure is best expressed as the reciprocal of stiffness. Stiffness refers to a structure's resistance to deformation under an applied load. In practical terms, a structure with high stiffness will show less deflection when a load is applied, indicating it is less flexible, while a structure with low stiffness will deform more easily, demonstrating greater flexibility.

When we talk about the reciprocal of stiffness, we are essentially discussing how pliable or flexible the structure is. As stiffness increases, flexibility decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is crucial in engineering and design, as engineers must balance rigidity and flexibility based on the intended use of the structure.

The other terms in the choices refer to different structural properties. For example, strength relates to a material's ability to withstand an applied load without failure, and rigidity is often used synonymously with stiffness, but in different contexts may refer to different aspects of material behavior. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the correct choice regarding flexibility being the reciprocal of stiffness.