A volcanic monitoring system launches a specialized research probe vertically from the bottom of a deep concrete launch shaft to collect atmospheric samples.
Before launch, the probe is secured at the bottom of the shaft and attached to four identical stretched elastic cords that behave like ideal springs.
The extension of each of the four elastic cords is 14 m.
The spring constant of each elastic cord is 375 N/m.
The total mass of the scientific probe is 150 kg.
The gravitational field strength is g=9.8 N/kgg = 9.8\text{ N/kg}g=9.8 N/kg.
State the energy store that increases as the elastic cords are stretched prior to launch.
Calculate the maximum vertical height reached by the probe, assuming no energy is lost to the surroundings.
In reality, the actual maximum height reached by the probe is lower than this calculated value. Explain why, referring to energy transfers.