What Forces Are Behind the Resistance of Rubber Bands?

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SUMMARY

The resistance experienced when pulling a rubber band is primarily due to van der Waals intermolecular forces rather than covalent bond separation. The internal structure of rubber consists of entangled fibers of covalently bonded macromolecules, which are attracted to each other through van der Waals forces. This discussion clarifies that the sensation of resistance is indeed linked to electron forces, albeit indirectly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of van der Waals forces
  • Knowledge of covalent bonding in macromolecules
  • Familiarity with polymer science
  • Basic principles of intermolecular forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of van der Waals forces in material science
  • Explore the structure and properties of polymers
  • Study the mechanics of elastic materials
  • Investigate the relationship between molecular structure and physical properties
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in materials science, polymer chemistry, and physics, as well as anyone interested in the mechanical properties of elastic materials like rubber bands.

pallidin
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OK, maybe this is an odd question, but here goes:

When I pull on a rubber band, is the force I "feel" the resistance to co-valent bond separation? Am I actually "feeling" electron forces?
 
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No. Covalent bonds are far, far too rigid for that.

The internal structure of the rubber is basically that of entangled 'fibres' of covalently bonded macromolecules, lying mostly side by side, attracted to each other by van der waals.

crappy Ascii diagram...

Code: 
___________
  !    _!____
__!___/__!__
 !   /
_!__/

The resistance you feel comes from the van der waals intermolecular forces. It is electron forces, in a way.

EDIT: You have no idea how long it took me to do that diagram above.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by FZ+

The resistance you feel comes from the van der waals intermolecular forces. It is electron forces, in a way.

EDIT: You have no idea how long it took me to do that diagram above.

I appreciate your taking the time.
Above that, you have indicated that forces I feel are van der waals forces. Thank you. Perhaps a silly question but was presented in seriousness.
 

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