Information
A diagram.Short description, A diagram.,Long description,
The diagram shows the machine. The machine has an arm with a cup that holds a baseball at one end, and the other end is connected to the machine's base. An elastic band connects the arm near the cup to a post on the machine. When the arm is pulled down, the elastic stretches. When the arm is released, it moves up, launching the baseball out of the cup. 4 stages of the machine's action are shown.
Stage A. The elastic is being stretched as the arm holding the baseball moves down toward the machine's base.
Stage B. The elastic is being stretched even more as the arm holding the baseball moves as far down as it can go.
Stage C. The elastic is pulling the arm holding the baseball upward.
Stage D. The elastic is slack and short, and the arm has moved up and thrown the ball forward.
Question
At which stage does the elastic band have the greatest elastic potential energy?
Answer options with 4 options
A.
At stage A, because the elastic is being stretched.
B.
At stage B, because the elastic is completely stretched.
C.
At stage C, because the elastic is moving the arm of the machine.
D.
At stage D, because the elastic is the shortest.
1 answer
The correct answer is:
B. At stage B, because the elastic is completely stretched.
At this stage, the elastic potential energy is at its maximum because the elastic band is stretched to its fullest extent, storing the most energy that will be released when the band returns to its original length.
