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Physics
investigatory
project
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Certificate

This is to certify that the following

project: “the effect of temperature
on the elasticity of a rubber band” is
in partial fulfillment of “CBSE”, and
is an authentic work carried out under
my guidance

Signature of teacher:

Signature of principal:
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Acknowledgment

I would like to express my gratitude to

my physics teacher for his guidance
and support in completing this project.

I would also like to thank my family

for supporting me in this project.
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The effect of temperature on the elasticity of

a rubber band

Aim:
To discover the effect of changes in temperature on the elasticity of a rubber band

Theory:
Rubber is an example of a natural polymer. The chains of molecules in rubber have
a natural elasticity; they can stretch when pulled. When the pulling force is
removed, the elastic polymers in the rubber spring back to their original length. A
polymer with elastic properties like this is sometimes called an elastomer. The
molecular chains of an elastomer basically act like springs.

When a rubber band is stretched out there are not as many ways the individual
molecules can arrange themselves as they are when the rubber band is not
stretched, they have to be lined up. These links between chains are called
cross-links. If too much force is applied these cross-links will break and the rubber
band will snap.

When there are more ways to arrange the molecules;es, the entropy is higher.
When the rubber band is stretched entropy dictates that the rubber band will want
to contract again. When the temperature is higher molecules are more excited, and
are in a random state. This makes the rubber band easier to stretch out.

At a constant temperature, a rubber band obeys Hook’s law

The force , f+K(X-Xo)
Where K is the constant, (X-Xo) is the elongation and the sign is negative because
the force is in the direction opposite to the extension. That is the force, f, is trying
to pull the rubber band back to its equilibrium length, Xo.
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Hypothesis:

Our hypothesis is that the elasticity of the rubber band is going to increase
if the temperature goes up and decrease if the temperature goes down.

The elasticity of the rubber band is defined as the maximum length of the
rubber band stretching from its initial length when weight is placed on it to.
Temperature is defined as the temperature of the water that the rubber
band is submerged in.
The type and size of the rubber bandana time of the rubber band
submerged in water will be controlled.

Apparatus:

1) Large glass container

2) Hot plate
3) Rubber bands
4) Water
5) Ice
6) Thermometer
7) 3 pieces of wood
8) Nails
9) Metal strip
10) Metal clips
11) Metal hooks
12) Two pulleys
13) Wire
14) 50g and 100g weights
15) Ruler
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Procedure:

create a contraption that would allow us to determine the elasticity of

rubber bands, while varying both the temperature of the rubber bands and
the amount placed on them.

Using nails fasten the three pieces of wood together into a frame with a
hole in the top and attach two pulleys, allowing the wire to travel through
the hole in the top of the contraption, then partway down one side of the
frame.

To the top of the contraption, fasten a metal strip that is extended

downward from the middle of the apparatus, next to the wire. At one end of
the wire, place a 50g hook to hold the weights, and on the other end attach
a small metal clip, at the place where the rubber band is attached.

The rubber band is anchored to a small metal hook that is attached to a

metal strip. Fasten a ruler to the side of the frame by weight, in order to
measure how much the rubber band stretched.

After the contraption is built, create different water temperatures in order to

change the temperature of the rubber band. This can be done by putting
water is a large container.

Add ice in the container to get our first temperature of 0 degrees Celsius.
Place the glass container inside the wood frame, and submerge the rubber
band. Then measure the amount the rubber band stretched after adding
weight to the 50g weight hook. Calculate the elasticity of the rubber band at
1100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600g. Repeat this procedure for
temperatures 20, 40, 60, and 80 degrees Celsius, using the hot plate to
bring the water to warmer temperatures.

After collecting data on each new temperate, switch the rubber band to
minimize error.
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Effects of temperature on the elasticity of a rubber band

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Results:
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Conclusion:

The heated rubber bands were the most elastic; stretching to the farthest
extends of 17.90 +/ -o.o5 cm (0 C).
These results were consistent.
Thermal expansion cause the rubber bands to react as they did. When the
rubber bands were heated, the particles stretched out, making them more
elastic and able to withstand greater force. When frozen, the particles
contracted, adding strength and increasing resistance to force.

The effect the temperature had on the elasticity of the rubber band was
amplified under more weight. At lower temperatures, the difference
between light and heavy weights was significantly less than the difference
between the same amount of weight at higher temperatures.

Sources of error:

1) After a rubber band was tested at a certain temperature it could no

longer be used as the initial elasticity changed.
2) The same temperature of the water and the rubber band is hard to
maintain over a long period of time. The temperature could have
fluctuated during the experiment, therefore varying our results.

Bibliography:

1) Britannica.com
2) Madphysics.com
3) Physics 247.com
4) Scifun.org
5) Madehow.com
6) seminarsonly.com
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