Please reflect the slightly humorous tone to the Q in your answer!
2007-08-06 02:40:42 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
There being no drag in Space, the problem of launching an object beyond Earth is one of producing acceleration slightly above that of our planet's gravitational pull; ie 9.8 metres per second per second.
Rubber bands produce an initial rather than a constant force, so were rejected by NASA in the early 1960s as unsuitable for a Moon mission.
Brass bands (suggested as an alternative by a Mr Souza, who was suspected of self interest) were also rejected, on the grounds that a trombone player would be unlikely to make enough puff.
2007-08-06 03:27:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I just had to figure this out in very rough terms
Assume an elastic band that would generate about 3.7 pounds of force per foot it is stretched. The Saturn V rocket produces about 7.5 million pounds of thrust.
Thus, you would have to have a band able to stretch over 2 million feet or about 384 miles, which is close to the highest altitude the space shuttle achieves.
Of course if you had a more resilient elastic band, it could be shorter.
2007-08-06 03:03:47 · answer #2 · answered by Rob B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pretty big, I hope someone really works that out because I want to find one. I need length of the band, thickness of the band and the exact elasticity that it would need. And as a bonus, how long would it take to travel there. (Inc suitcase) From there, I will have to start working out how to get back. Like your picture BTW.
2007-08-06 02:48:25 · answer #3 · answered by Bbobs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its easy~
find out the distance flexibility force of a normal 5cm elastic band (lets call it dA),
then find out the distance between your spot where you fire your elastic band and the spot where u land on the moon surface (lets call this dB),
use dB to divide dA (lets call your answer dX),
then use dX to multiply by 5.
thats the size of your elastic band need to be.
but bear in mind, once you get the size of that thing fired, it will not slow down untill it actually knock the moon off its course.
2007-08-06 21:57:32 · answer #4 · answered by HBKidBen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's does not affect hoe big the elastic u take.It's the elasticity & the force with which u apply on the string to move a person.............
2007-08-06 02:58:15 · answer #5 · answered by anshul 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know, excuse my seriousness, but you would still need a spaceship to stretch it out initially beforeletting go and flinging the person to the moon.
2007-08-06 03:02:54 · answer #6 · answered by bookgrl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as it could give an 'escape' velocity of ~25,000mph, you're 'golden'. Personally, I would recommend a teflon/kevlar suit.
One small, almost insigificant problem... once you used the rubber band to GET the person on the moon, how could they get back?
aim carefully, that moon moves!!!!!
2007-08-06 04:53:00 · answer #7 · answered by words_smith_4u 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I dont know but as soon as we find one that size you'll be the first person we shoot to the moon
2007-08-06 02:47:35 · answer #8 · answered by amelchor502 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
sod the elastic band matey, your gonna need a mile high catapult!!!
2007-08-06 06:45:56 · answer #9 · answered by Venomous Doll 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. But if it broke and snapped back at my thumb I bet it would smart a bit!
2007-08-06 11:19:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋