Why Is Rubber So Elastic

Understanding the physics of elasticity requires a knowledge of advanced mathematics chemistry and statistical physics particularly the concept of entropy.

Why is rubber so elastic. In rubber the monomer is a carbon compound called isoprene that has two carbon carbon double bonds. Rubber is elastic because the chemical bonds that hold it together can store energy in the form of tension and allow the rubber to stretch beyond that i don t think i m qualified to explain. In rubber the elastic force is due to the thermal interactions of the molecules within the material. You can stick a couple of forks into it and pull it.

It s elastic because the long chains are not lined up regularly and aren t cross linked to each other very much. There are several molecular mechanisms that work together to produce the elastic force. The most facile way to quantify the orientation is from the optical birefringence defined as the difference in refractive indices for two perpendicular directions. Isoprene molecules bond together to create a polymer whose molecular chains can be easily pulled apart but also spring back together quickly and easily which is why rubber is so elastic and useful.

Synthetic rubber is a newer invention one we had to discover because we could probably never grow enough latex producing plants to supply the amount we d need to manufacture all the rubber the world makes and uses in a year. What makes rubber so elastic. Rubber elasticity arises from the orientation of chain segments and the degree of this orientation underlies the mechanical properties. Like plastic rubber is a polymer which is a chain of repeating units called monomers.