My partner and I tested our rocket and collected data that is supported by reason of this project. I noticed that the measurement that relates to the Elastic Potential Energy is the amount of stretch in centimeters. I also noticed the data for the rocket is varied. The relationship between the rubber band, in this case it is the Elastic Potential energy, and the Gravitational Potential energy is the more the rubber band is stretched out the higher the rocket goes up. The rocket has kinetic energy when it releases but has Gravitational Potential Energy when it rises. There is however no Elastic Potential Energy at this point. I noticed the manipulated variables is the stretch added to the rocket. I know this because the stretch added kinetic energy and when released the height was the response of this action, as I stated before. Our data helps us understand but our data was hard to get.
My partner and I had many problems during our data collecting process. The first problem was that the rocket launchers base began ripping when we would pull the straws down to launch. Another problem was the rubber band kept breaking when tension was applied. The next problem was the weight of the straws and having to change the data to that specific weight for launching. All these problems effect our data because if different rockets were used the data becomes unreliable. I suggest the next time we do this lab we each need to make our own rocket launcher's for better lab results. If this rocket breaks, all data should be "re-done." I think this would help because we could get more accurate numbers. The condition of the rocket and it's base is a direct influence on the data being collected. If everything was in good condition the outcome should prove the relationship between the Gravitational Potential Energy and the Elastic Potential Energy.
