A stretched rubber band is an elastic band made from natural or synthetic rubber that has been extended beyond its original length. When pulled, the rubber band stores potential energy due to its elasticity, which allows it to return to its original shape when released. This property makes rubber bands useful for various applications, such as holding items together or serving as a simple toy. The behavior of a stretched rubber band can be explained by Hooke's Law, which states that the force needed to stretch an elastic material is proportional to the distance it is stretched. This principle is commonly observed in everyday items like hair ties and exercise bands, which also rely on elasticity for their functionality.