Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ____________ Hour: _________ #: _________

Using a Rubber Band to Demonstrate Force

Question: How can a rubber band be used to demonstrate force?
Hypothesis:

Materials: 2 paper clips

ring stand ruler

handful of washers

rubber band

Procedure:
1. Hook 2 paper clips to the rubber band (one at each end of the rubber band) and use
the paper clip to suspend the rubber band from the ring stand.
2. Carefully measure the distance between the inside ends of the two paper clips to the
nearest 0.1cm. Record this distance for 0 washers.
3. Hang 1 washer from the bottom paper clip. Carefully re-measure the distance
between the two paper clip ends to the nearest 0.1 cm and record your
measurements on the data table.
4. Continue this process by adding an additional washer, measure, record, add another
washer
Number of Washers
on Paper Clip
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Length of Rubber Band

Between Paper Clips (cm)

Analysis and Conclusions:

1. Describe how the length of the rubber band changes as the washers are added to the
paper clip.

2. Gravity is pulling UP or DOWN on the washers.

3. The rubber band is pulling UP or DOWN on the washers.

4. When does the rubber band exert the most force?