IB Physics IA idea · Materials and elasticity
IB Physics IA idea: how much energy does a rubber band lose?
Stretch a rubber band and let it go: the return path is different. The gap between them is lost energy.
These ideas are starting points, not an IA to copy. Never copy an idea blindly: make the question, method and analysis your own, and check your plan with your teacher.
Example research question
How does the extension of a conditioned rubber band depend on stretching force from 0.5 N to 10 N in ten steps, loaded and unloaded, and what energy is lost per cycle from the area enclosed?
Change the system, the range or the method so the question is yours. Check it against the research question checklist in our Physics IA guide.
Variables
- You change
- stretching force, 0.5 to 10 N in 10 steps (loading and unloading)
- You measure
- extension, 0 to 200 mm
- You keep the same
- band material and size
- loading rate
- temperature
- cycle number
Method
Hang weights from a rubber band, record extension at each load going up and down, and repeat for several bands. Condition the band by cycling it first.
Data analysis
Plot force against extension for loading and unloading; the area enclosed is the energy lost per cycle. Integrate numerically and compare cycles and bands; propagate uncertainty in the area.
How it works
You change Stretching force (N) and measure Band extension (mm) in Rubber band with weights, keeping Same band, Conditioning cycles, Loading speed, Temperature the same. Expect a graph of Extension / mm against Force / N: Loading and unloading follow different paths; the loop is the loss.
Make it yours
Compare stretch rate or temperature effect on the loop area.
Extended Essay angle
Fit a hyperelastic model and discuss the thermodynamic heating on stretching.
Safety
Wear eye protection; do not overstretch to snapping.
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