Question

Stretching of a rubber band results in
A) No change in potential energy
B) Zero value of potential energy
C) Increase in potential energy
D) Decrease in potential energy

Answer 1

Here we have asked about potential energy which is a form of energy which is stored in an object. Basically the stored energy of an object is due to its position relative to some other fixed object or some zero position. Here we will discuss what will be potential energy if the rubber band is stretched.

Complete answer:
Here we have asked what will happen if we stretch a rubber band. We know that in stretching a rubber band we need to apply some force and so there will be some work done in stretching it.
Now the rubber band is an elastic object so when work is done on it there will be deformation in its shape and some energy is stored in the form of strain or in the form of elastic energy.
We know that potential energy is also a form of stored energy so while stretching a rubber band a potential energy will be stored resulting in an increase of it.
Hence we can say that potential energy is increased when the rubber band is stretched.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
As due to stretching, shape is changing of rubber band therefore there will be change in potential energy also therefore option A can’t be right. Whereas potential energy will be zero in case the rubber is released after stretching, because when it is released potential energy is changed into kinetic energy or we can say potential energy gradually decreases and changes into kinetic energy. Hence option B or D will be wrong.