Which of the following best describes a characteristic of a material that is flexible and resembles rubber?

The characteristic that best describes a material that is flexible and resembles rubber is elasticity. Elastic materials can stretch and return to their original shape after being deformed, which is a defining trait of rubber-like materials. This means that when you apply a force, the material will flex and bend instead of breaking or becoming permanently deformed, making it suitable for applications where flexibility and resilience are required.

For example, rubber bands, which are highly elastic, can be stretched significantly and then return to their original shape. This property of elasticity is crucial in many applications where materials must absorb shock, provide cushioning, or maintain integrity under stress, which aligns perfectly with the description given in the question.

In contrast, rigid materials do not bend easily and maintain a fixed shape, while tough materials can absorb energy and resist fracture but may not necessarily be flexible. Frangible materials are designed to break easily under stress, which is contrary to what is expected of a flexible rubber-like characteristic.