Understanding Elastic Energy in Rubber Band Catapults

What type of energy is stored in a rubber band when it is stretched back in a catapult?

• Potential energy

• Kinetic energy

• Chemical energy

• Thermal energy

How can you increase the potential energy stored in a catapult?

• Using rubber bands with lower elasticity

• Decreasing the tension in the rubber bands

• Choosing rubber bands with higher elasticity

• Using heavier materials for construction

What happens to the potential energy stored in a rubber band when it is released in a catapult?

• It disappears

• It transforms into kinetic energy

• It turns into thermal energy

• It converts into chemical energy

How can adjusting the angle of launch enhance the power of a catapult?

• It decreases the stored energy

• It reduces the elasticity of the rubber bands

• It increases the weight of the projectile

• It allows for more efficient energy conversion

What effect does using lightweight materials for catapult construction have on energy transfer?

• It has no impact on energy transfer

• It decreases the stored energy

• It increases energy loss due to friction

• It maximizes the efficiency of the catapult

What is the key concept that allows for designing a stronger and more powerful catapult?

• Projectile weight increase

• Understanding elastic energy

• Energy conservation

• Friction reduction

What role does experimentation play in improving catapult performance?

• It hinders innovation

• It limits the distance of projectile launch

• It allows for adjustments and optimization

• It increases energy loss

What is the main goal of understanding elastic energy in catapults?

• To innovate and create more powerful catapults

• To maximize energy loss

• To launch objects with less force

• To reduce the efficiency of the catapult