Introduction
Rubber bands don't last forever; they stretch out, crack, and deteriorate. That is because rubber is made of polymers. Those cross-linked polymers give rubber bands their stretchiness, but the polymers wear out quickly (Exploring). There are ways to lengthen the life of a rubber band, though. An average rubber band in average condition has about a ten year life span. Exposure to heat and sunlight will shorten it, so if the sunlight and heat are taken away, the rubber band will last longer (What is the shelf life of rubber bands?). The pH scale labels different liquids from 0 to 14. 0-6 are acids, 0 being the most acidic, and 8-14 are bases, 14 being the most alkaline (Elmhurst, Chart). 7 is neutral, usually water. Vinegar is 2.5 and ammonia is 11.5 If a substance is extremely acidic or alkaline, then it can burn through other substances, like skin or shoes (Elmhurst). The soles of shoes are made of rubber, the same material that makes up rubber bands. This means that they could also be affected by acids and bases (McNeil).
A rubber band can only be stretched so far. Eventually, it will break. Acids and bases deteriorate substances, and will affect rubber bands. When left in a strong acid or base for a period of time, the polymers will stretch and break, making the rubber band weaker. The further it can stretch, the stronger the rubber band is. The rubber bands will be exposed to ammonia, water, and air.
The purpose of this experiment is to see how acids and bases affect polymers in rubber bands. If the rubber band is exposed to air, vinegar, ammonia and water for one minute, then the rubber band exposed to only air will stretch the furthest because the acidic/basic particles in the other substances will eat away at the rubber band.
A rubber band can only be stretched so far. Eventually, it will break. Acids and bases deteriorate substances, and will affect rubber bands. When left in a strong acid or base for a period of time, the polymers will stretch and break, making the rubber band weaker. The further it can stretch, the stronger the rubber band is. The rubber bands will be exposed to ammonia, water, and air.
The purpose of this experiment is to see how acids and bases affect polymers in rubber bands. If the rubber band is exposed to air, vinegar, ammonia and water for one minute, then the rubber band exposed to only air will stretch the furthest because the acidic/basic particles in the other substances will eat away at the rubber band.