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how does temperature affect the stretch of rubber bands

by Miss Annetta Lang V Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

How does temperature affect the stretch of rubber bands? Thermal expansion caused the rubber bands to react as they did. When the rubber bands were heated, the particles stretched out, making them more elastic and able to withstand greater force.

The rubber band actually expands when it gets colder! This seems counterintuitive because most materials expand when they are heated and contract when they get cold. This occurs because of the unusual polymer structure of rubber.Apr 9, 2015

Full Answer

How does temperature affect a rubber band?

Rubber Band Elasticity and Temperature

  • Summary. This project requires some specialty items. ...
  • Abstract. Many materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. ...
  • Objective. The goal of this project is to investigate how the restoring force of a rubber band varies with temperature.
  • Introduction. ...
  • Materials and Equipment. ...
  • Experimental Procedure. ...
  • Variations. ...
  • Careers. ...

Does temperature affect the degree of strength of rubber bands?

When the temperature decreases, the molecular bonds strengthen causing the rubber band to stiffen up and not stretch as far. The time that the rubber bands are subjected to the varying temperatures, brand of rubber band, and the force applied will remain constant while the temperature changes.

How does temperature affect the elasticity of rubbers?

  • Two-liter soda bottle
  • Permanent marker
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Small, thin rubber band
  • About 20 to 25 quarters
  • Tape (any kind will work)
  • Paper clip
  • Hot tap water
  • Ice cubes

More items...

How does temperature effect rubber?

When cold, rubber typically becomes brittle and less fragile, whereas heat causes it to become sticky. However, through the process of ‘Vulcanization’ rubbers elasticity is increased and the effect of temperature is lessened.

Does the temperature of a rubber band affect the distance it will stretch?

When frozen, the particles contracted, adding strength and decreasing resistance to force. Temperature's affect on the length a rubber band can stretch, and the force it can withstand before breaking.

Does cold temperature affect the elasticity of a rubber band?

Yes--a rubber band will actually become softer, or easier to stretch, when the temperature gets colder. The way to think of the elasticity is in terms of entropy, which is basically a measure of disorder.

Why does a rubber band get warmer when stretched?

When molecules, not just rubber molecules, but any molecules, form crystals, they give off heat. This is why the rubber band feels hot when its stretched. When you let go of the rubber band, the polymer molecules break out of those crystals. Whenever molecules break out of crystals, they absorb heat.

What is the effect of temperature on elasticity?

elasticity decreasesEffect of temperature on Elasticity:- As the temperature of substance increases, its elasticity decreases.

How does temperature affect flexibility?

Logically, since ligaments and tendons are elastic structures, they should be more flexible with heat. Increasing temperature increases flexibility of knee ligaments (anterior and posterior cruciate) and there is a substantial change in tissue elasticity.

Why do rubber bands stretch more when cold?

This occurs because of the unusual polymer structure of rubber. When the long chains get hotter and vibrate, they actually shorten, causing the material to contract. When the chains cool down, they relax and stretch out, causing the material to expand.

What affects the stretch of a rubber band?

Room-Temperature Rubber At room temperature, a rubber band snaps back due to its elastic molecular properties. The strands that make up the rubber band stretch, but forces in the rubber molecules pull them back to their original shape.

Does heat make elastic stretch?

The heat from the iron will break down the elasticity of the material and create a permanent stretch of the elastic.

Introduction

Image
Have you ever noticed that some objects tend to expand when they get hot, and contract when they cool down? For example, you might run hot water over the lid of a jar that's stuck - this causes the lid to expand, making it easier to twist off. Does this effect work the same way for all materials? Try this fun activity to find out!
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Background

  • Materials are made up of atoms and molecules (molecules are groups of multiple atoms that are bonded together). Even though you can't see it with the naked eye, these molecules are constantly vibrating around and bumping into each other. Normally, when a material gets hotter, the molecules vibrate more intensely. Since they bump into each other harder, this causes the mater…
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Observations and Results

  • Your results might have surprised you - the rubber band actually expands when it gets colder! This seems counterintuitive, since most materials expand when they heat up, and contract when they get cold. This occurs because of the unique polymer structure of rubber. When the long chains get hotter and vibrate, they actually shorten, causing the mate...
See more on sciencebuddies.org

Additional Resources

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