Solve Breaking Tension Puzzle: Min Breaking Tension Revealed

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum breaking tension required for a rope when a girl of mass M swings from a height of R/2. Participants clarify that the minimum breaking tension must exceed the maximum tension experienced at the lowest point of the swing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of tension in ropes, particularly when analyzing forces in motion. Key formulas and concepts related to tension dynamics are essential for solving the problem effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic principles of tension in ropes
  • Knowledge of circular motion dynamics
  • Familiarity with force diagrams and free-body analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Newton's second law of motion" for force calculations
  • Study "circular motion dynamics" to understand forces at the lowest point of a swing
  • Explore "free-body diagrams" to visualize forces acting on the girl and the rope
  • Learn about "tension in ropes" and how it varies with motion
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Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of tension in swinging motions.

radiobear
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I am brand new to this website so I hope somebody can help. I have a homework problem that goes like this: A girl of mass M is taking a picnic lunch to her grandmother. She ties a rope of length R to a tree branch over a creek and starts to swing from rest at a point that is a distance R/2 lower that the branch. What is the minimum breaking tension for the rope if it is not to break and drop the girl into the creek?
I do not even know where to begin in this problem. My textbook does not mention minimum breaking tension at all. If anybody knows a formula to use I would really appreciate it. Thanks. :confused:
 
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What would be the tension on the rope at the bottom of her swing?
 
radiobear:
With "minimum breaking tension" is meant that value of the tension which will cause the rope to break (ideal rope dynamics becomes invalid when that happens).
Clearly then, in a problem where the tension might be varying, it is crucial that the "minimum breaking tension" is larger than the maximal tension you may compute from your problem (in which you assume that the rope does NOT break).
Follow Tide's instruction.
 

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