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packers7
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Homework Statement
A chain lies on a frictionless table at rest, half off the edge, and half on. As soon as it is let go, it begins accelerating due to gravity only. Determine the acceleration of the chain as a function of time. The mass is m, gravity is g, and the length of the chain is L.
Homework Equations
F=ma
K=(1/2)mvv
Ug=mgh
W=integral(F*dr)
a=dv/dt , v=dd/dt
The Attempt at a Solution
Let x=the length of chain hanging vertically. Therefore x starts at L/2, and ends at L, the min and max accelerations are g/2 and g.
I figured out that a=x/L*g
I then tried to use energy, with my zero line level with the table, so I was dealing with negative values. I would get mgL/8 =-xxm/(2L)+mvv/2. Solving for v gives a messy square root, and I don't see how time fits into the equation.
I know that the function will be piecewise because once the acceleration reaches g, it will remain there. I just need to find the function as it grows from g/2 to g.