Energy stored in a cable? (A Level CW)

[pipjordan]

Energy stored in a cable?? (A Level CW)

Why is the energy stored in a steel cable used for towing gliders so small? And is there an equation that could show this?

 

[mgb_phys]

It's the energy store in a spring.
The cable doesn't stretch very much - that's deliberate so that there isn't much energy stored.

 

[berkeman]

Why is the energy stored in a steel cable used for towing gliders so small? And is there an equation that could show this?

What are your thoughts? We do not do your homework for you here on the PF.

 

[DaveC426913]

Why is the energy stored in a steel cable used for towing gliders so small?

Well, I can think of a good reason why the two pilots would not want a lot of energy stored in that cable...

 

[RoyalCat]

Think of what happens when that cable does break.

 

[DaveC426913]

Think of what happens when that cable does break.

..or is simply released, as per routine.