- #1
Atomicbomb22
- 6
- 0
Homework Statement
I am doing a lab experiment and the objective is to find the efficiency of an elastic band.
Distance to ceiling=2.9m
Mass of elastic band= 1.85g
Force 2.6N (found using Newton meter)
Extension: 6.4cm
Homework Equations
Well I am not looking for a solution, I just need the way to setup the formulas in order to find efficiency.
F1=-kx (Hooke's Law)
F2=ma
The Attempt at a Solution
I think that I should compare the force stored in the elastic band as mechanical energy to the force required to make the rubber band hit the ceiling.
so I'd do this:
-kx=ma
Problem is that I don't know if acceleration should be taken to be gravity. Once I find acceleration, I should be able to find the initial velocity. Then, couldn't I use the work-energy theorem to compare the theoretical initial velocity to the actual velocity? Meaning, I compare the initial velocity I get when I use mgh=1/2mv^2 to the velocity I get when using acceleration.
Sorry maybe what I said above is completely wrong. Please help, I was missing from class when the teacher went over it.