2007-01-14 15:00:10 · 7 answers · asked by saphire 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
good question...
ideally, yes. elastomers are often referred to as "entropy springs" because the restoring force when a load is applied is totally due to the elastomer wanting to regain lost entropy and the cross linking in the elastomer causes it to relax back to 100% when the load is removed.
remember this is all considering the ideal case... in reality, no.
2007-01-14 18:37:36 · answer #1 · answered by fleisch 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically, no.....
Realistically? For the most part......
A rubberband will deform every single time it is stretched. At the smallest levels, that thing will stretch, and be a different shape every single time you hang the weight off of it.
However, practically? If you're conducting an experiment at room temperature, and the weight you use is ultra-light, you could probably go the whole day stretching the thing with no discernible change.
It's the same for anything that's elastic... you deform, and the item displays a property of deforming back into its original shape. If you stretch too much, it'll be permanently deformed...
I mean, if you REALLY take that into heart, that's how the rubberband would stretch a longer distance each time.
Still, once again, strong rubber band + light weight + reasonable working environment and release conditions = similar results.
2007-01-14 18:19:42 · answer #2 · answered by RemyK 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how much weight. If the rubber band is stretched past its yield point, the rubber's elasticity will be damaged and will not return to its normal point. However, cyclic stress from lower weights will also damage the rubber band. So after stretching it alot, it won't either.
So to answer your question: yes, but only with light weights and for a small amount of time.
2007-01-14 15:07:59 · answer #3 · answered by David T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In theory, yes, if the weight is modest, but in most practical situations the rubber becomes fatigued fairly quickly and stretches more and more. Also does not recover as far.
2007-01-14 15:04:57 · answer #4 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Temperature and the age of the rubber will change the stretch. Some grades of rubber will age faster than others.
2007-01-14 15:48:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it a real rubber band or a textbook rubber band? A real rubber band would likely stretch farther and farther gradually, while a textbook rubber band usually wouldn't. Don't have the formulas for it, though.
2007-01-14 15:05:11 · answer #6 · answered by Isaac S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it will change if the temperature isn't the same. That's something else that could change it.
2007-01-14 15:04:20 · answer #7 · answered by Nick R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋