What type of energy is stored in a stretched rubber band?

Elastic potential energy is stored in a stretched rubber band because the band is deformed from its original shape. According to Hooke’s Law, the force required to stretch the band is proportional to the extension. The energy stored is given by the formula U = 1/2 kx², where U is potential energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the extension. When released, this energy converts into kinetic energy. This principle is used in catapults and slingshots, where stored elastic potential energy is transformed into motion, demonstrating conservation of energy in physics.