Question

an elastic band can store energy

<a> explain how the elastic band can be made to store energy

(b) how can its energy be released

Answer 1

(a). Most obviously and effectively by stretching it.

Heating it up, lifting it up or throwing it across the room will all store a small amount of energy in it for variously short spans of time (thermal, gravitational potential and kinetic respectively).

(b). Stretch the elastic band, and touch the surface immediately. You will feel it hotter than normal. This is because the energy you are providing it in stretching it. When you let it go, the energy is released, and it becomes momentarily cold.