A stretched rubber band has the potential to do work or change things. This form of energy is called elastic potential energy. It occurs when an object (such as our skin, a spring, a trampoline, or a rubber band) resists being stretched out of shape. The elastic potential energy in a rubber band can be used to do work.
Is a stretched rubber band mechanical energy?
When a spring is coiled up or a rubber band is stretched, mechanical energy is stored in it. When the spring uncoils or the rubber band snaps back, this energy is released. This stored mechanical energy is called potential energy because it has the potential to make things happen.
What happens when a rubber band is stretched?
A rubber band is an elastic material in nature. When stretched, it changes its shape and when the applied force is removed, it regains its original shape. That is why a rubber band changes its shape even though it is a solid. Also, if excessive force is applied then the rubber band would break.
What happens when you stretch a rubber band and let it go?
The more a rubber band stretches, the more energy is stores. When you let go, the rubber band releases the stored energy. As a result, if the rubber band is stretched further, it releases more energy and thus goes further.
Can a rubber band be squashed?
What causes elastic energy? A force acting on an object can cause it to temporarily change its shape, such as when you stretch an elastic band, or squash a squishy ball with your hand.
How far can a rubber band travel?
The thicker rubber band flew an average of 98 cm and the thinner rubber band flew an average of 79 cm. The thicker rubber band flew an average of 19 cm farther than the thinner rubber band. So, the thicker the rubber band, the farther it will fly.
What kind of energy is a person climbing a ladder?
For example, when you climb a ladder to a high diving board, your body uses chemical energy produced by the combustion of organic molecules. As you climb, the chemical energy is converted to mechanical work to overcome the force of gravity.