What kind of energy does a rubber band have when it is stretched?
A. elastic potential energy
B. gravitational potential energy
C. kinetic energy
D. chemical energy
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. elastic potential energy.
When a rubber band is stretched, it stores energy in the form of elastic potential energy. This type of energy is associated with the deformation of an elastic object. When you stretch a rubber band, you apply a force that causes it to deform. The rubber band resists this deformation, and the energy you exert in stretching it is stored in the material. If you release the rubber band, it returns to its original shape, releasing the stored energy in the process. This is the principle behind elastic potential energy.
Elastic potential energy is a form of mechanical energy that is stored in objects that can be stretched or compressed. Common examples of objects with elastic potential energy include springs, rubber bands, and bungee cords. The amount of energy stored in an object like a rubber band depends on two factors: how much the object is stretched or compressed and the stiffness (or spring constant) of the material. The greater the stretch or compression, the more energy is stored.
In the case of the rubber band, when it is stretched, the energy you apply to the rubber band does not just disappear. Instead, it is temporarily stored in the rubber band’s material. The ability of the rubber band to return to its original shape is a direct result of the elastic potential energy. When the rubber band is released, the stored energy is converted into kinetic energy as the rubber band moves back to its original position.
To summarize, when a rubber band is stretched, it contains elastic potential energy. This energy is stored due to the deformation of the rubber band, and it is released when the force is removed, causing the rubber band to return to its original shape.