Design:
In essence, the purpose of the "Rubber Band Lab" was to determine the relation between force and distance. Our group pulled a rubber band along a ruler-like apparatus (depicted above) at distances ranging between 0.01 meters and 0.05 meters. Using an electronic force probe, we measured the amount of Newtons required to pull the band back at a certain distance. We attempted two to three trials for each distance in order to minimize human error. A graph was made using Force (N) along the y-axis and amount of stretch (M) along the x-axis. The formula Fs=KX was used for the creation of this graph. Through our data we determined that K=130N/M. Another formula was used for elastic potential energy Us=1/2kx^2. The elastic constant of 130 equals k in the formula.
Human error was a major factor in this experiment. Slightly varying lengths and ways of pulling the rubber band, small technical issues, and etc. culminated into inaccuracies of the data. Using our data, we came up with K=130 N/M, which was much higher than the class average. (Many other groups in the class had completely different numbers). The obvious observation was that the farther the band is pulled, the greater amount of Newtons are required to pull it back, also increasing its potential energy.
Real World Connection:
Slingshots apply a similar concept to this experiment. The farther the band is pulled back the greater amount of potential energy the object in the basket has. Greater distance pulled leads to the object being propelled farther and further.
Slingshot Video:
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