Elastic Potential Energy stored in rubber band

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the elastic potential energy (EPE) stored in a rubber band when it is stretched and released. The scenario involves a 0.002 kg rubber band flicked across a room at a speed of 10 m/s. The kinetic energy calculated from this motion is 0.1 Joules, which directly corresponds to the elastic potential energy stored in the rubber band prior to release. The relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy is emphasized, confirming that the energy is conserved during the transition from potential to kinetic form.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly energy conservation
  • Familiarity with the formula for kinetic energy: KE = 0.5 * m * v²
  • Knowledge of elastic potential energy principles
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in physics
  • Learn about the formula for elastic potential energy: EPE = 0.5 * k * x²
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy in mechanical systems
  • Investigate real-world applications of elastic potential energy in materials science
USEFUL FOR

Students learning physics, educators teaching energy concepts, and anyone interested in the mechanics of elastic materials.

Phykid
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Hello Everyone.

It has a year since I have worked with Elastic Potential Energy & I have forgotten the formula to work it out.
I have this question and would appreciate it if anyone could tell me how to do it, or tell me the formula of how to work it out.

So here it is:

Rachel pulls back a 0.002 kg rubber band and flicks it across a room with a speed of 10m/s.
What was the elastic potential energy stored in the rubber band just before it was released?

Im sure this is extreamly simple to most of you, but please help me out :)

Thanks,
Phykid
 
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Thanks for the very fast reply, but that is a little to complex for me!
I just need to know how to find the EPE using the mass & speed.

Thanks again,
Phykid
 
Phykid said:
Thanks for the very fast reply, but that is a little to complex for me!
I just need to know how to find the EPE using the mass & speed.

Thanks again,
Phykid
Yes you do, but can you work out the kinetic energy...?
 
Yes, 0.1J if I have done it right.

(Please excuse the newbie questions. I'm only 14 and not done this in a year)
 
Phykid said:
Yes, 0.1J if I have done it right.

(Please excuse the newbie questions. I'm only 14 and not done this in a year)
Spot on, so where do you think that the elastic band got this kinetic energy from?
 
Hootenanny said:
Spot on, so where do you think that the elastic band got this kinetic energy from?

The stretch? :)
 
Phykid said:
The stretch? :)
Correct, so how much potential energy was stored in the band?
 
0.1? :s
You've just lost me
 
  • #10
Phykid said:
0.1? :s
You've just lost me
Correct! :smile:

When you let go of the elastic band, it flew off somewhere with 0.1J of kinetic energy. That kinetic energy couldn't have just 'appeared' from somewhere; the energy was stored as potential energy in the elastic band as you were stretching it. When you let go of the elastic band, this potential energy was turned into kinetic.

Does that make sense?
 
  • #11
Brilliant :D

Thanks a lot, for your help & patience :)
 
  • #12
Phykid said:
Brilliant :D

Thanks a lot, for your help & patience :)
No problem :smile:
 

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