Elastic Potential Energy stored in rubber band

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of elastic potential energy (EPE) in the context of a rubber band being flicked across a room. The original poster seeks assistance in recalling the formula for calculating EPE based on the mass and speed of the rubber band.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between elastic potential energy and kinetic energy, questioning how energy is transferred from potential to kinetic as the rubber band is released. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the calculations and seeks clarification on the necessary formulas.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the relationship between kinetic energy and elastic potential energy, while others have reiterated the need to understand the underlying concepts. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to clarify the original poster's understanding and explore the connections between the different forms of energy involved.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions being out of practice with the topic and expresses uncertainty about the calculations, indicating a potential gap in foundational knowledge. There is also a recognition of the poster's age and experience level, which may influence the complexity of the discussion.

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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