- #1
Eitan Levy
- 259
- 11
Homework Statement
A snake with a mass equals to m is placed on a scale. The length of the snake is L. Suddenly the snake starts moving with a constant velocity v0. What does the weight display at the moment the snake starts moving?
Homework Equations
F=dP/dt
The Attempt at a Solution
First I tried to understand what force the snake is affected by. I think gravity, normal and some force F that causes it to move.
I tried to find the combined force on the snake at that moment. Before it starts moving it has a momentum of 0, and then it has a momentum of mv0.
So I get this: ∑F=N+F-mg=dP/dt=m*dV/dt
I know what the change in momentum is but I struggle to use to actually find the exact value of ΣF. Could anyone provide some guidance?
Also, I struggle to understand how the length of the snake is relevant to the question.