Question 1: Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed. This energy is released when the object returns to its original shape. Explain in your own words how elastic potential energy is stored in a spring.

Answer: Elastic potential energy is stored when a spring is stretched or compressed, causing work to be done against the elastic forces, which is stored as potential energy until the spring returns to its original shape.

Question 2: What is the primary factor that determines the amount of elastic potential energy stored in a stretched or compressed object?

Answer: The amount of elastic potential energy depends on the extent of deformation (stretching or compression) and the stiffness of the material.

Question 1: Describe the role of the elastic limit in storing elastic potential energy in a material.

Answer: The elastic limit is the maximum extent to which a material can be deformed elastically without permanent deformation. Beyond this point, the material may deform plastically and cannot store elastic potential energy effectively.

Question 2: Identify two common materials that are used for storing elastic potential energy and explain why.

Answer: Rubber and steel are common materials because they have high elastic limits and can undergo significant deformation while returning to their original shape, thus storing elastic potential energy efficiently.

Question 1: A spring with a stiffness (spring constant) of 200 N/m is stretched by a distance of 0.05 m. Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring. (Use the formula: Elastic potential energy = 0.5 × k × x², where k = spring constant, x = extension).

Answer: 0.5 × 200 N/m × (0.05 m)² = 0.5 × 200 × 0.0025 = 0.25 Joules

Question 2: A rubber band is stretched by 0.1 m and has a stiffness of 50 N/m. What is the elastic potential energy stored in the rubber band?

Answer: 0.5 × 50 N/m × (0.1 m)² = 0.5 × 50 × 0.01 = 0.25 Joules

Question 1: Outline a simple experiment to demonstrate elastic potential energy in a stretched rubber band. Include the variables you would control and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment involves stretching a rubber band by a known distance and then releasing it to observe the motion. Variables to control include the initial stretch length and release height. Safety precautions include ensuring the rubber band is not overstretched to avoid snapping and wearing safety glasses to prevent injury from snapping rubber bands.

Question 1: A catapult uses elastic potential energy stored in a stretched elastic band to launch a projectile. Explain how the elastic energy is transferred to the projectile and identify a factor that could affect the efficiency of this energy transfer.

Answer: When the elastic band is released, the stored elastic potential energy is converted into kinetic energy of the projectile. Factors affecting efficiency include the elasticity of the band, the amount of stretch, and energy losses due to air resistance or internal friction within the material.

Question 2: Identify a real-world technological application where elastic energy storage is critical, and briefly describe its importance.

Answer: Elastic energy storage is critical in sports equipment such as tennis rackets and golf clubs, where it enhances performance by storing and releasing energy efficiently during impact.