6.

Question

At which point would potential energy be the greatest?
Image 1- when the slingshot has not been stretched out fully.
Image 2- when the slingshot has been stretched out at its full distance.
Image 3- when the slingshot has no tension because the rock has been released.

Answer 1

Potential energy in the context of a slingshot primarily refers to elastic potential energy, which is stored when the slingshot is stretched.

1. Image 1: When the slingshot has not been stretched out fully, there is minimal potential energy stored.
2. Image 2: When the slingshot has been stretched out at its full distance, this is when the potential energy is at its maximum. The energy is stored in the elastic material of the slingshot, which is working against the force that restores it to its original shape.
3. Image 3: When the slingshot has no tension because the rock has been released, the potential energy has been converted into kinetic energy to launch the rock, and thus it is at its lowest.

Therefore, the point at which potential energy would be the greatest is Image 2, when the slingshot has been stretched out at its full distance.