Final Resting Place of a broken wood stick loaded with potential energy

In summary, the conversation discusses the scenario of a 102 foot, 2500 lbs. semi-rigid straight wood stick being placed in a vice and loaded with energy by pulling on a rope attached 50 feet above the vice at a 60 degree angle. The conversation raises questions about the potential motion and placement of the stick if it were to break in half two feet above the vice. Factors such as the stick's rigidity, the stretching of the rope, and the deflection of the stick are considered in determining the trajectory of the stick. It is suggested that the stick will likely land on the side of the vice where the rope is pulling, but there is speculation that a portion of the stick may fall behind the vice opposite the
  • #1
Werdna
3
0
If a 102 foot 2500 lbs. semi rigid straight wood stick (aka bow) is placed in a vice (a really big one with no give) and loaded with energy by pulling at the top, 50 feet above the vice at a 60 degree angle to the ground with a rope ("0" lbs.), where would the stick land if the stick instanteously broke in half two feet above the vice?

I am intersted to know if the pressure applied in the pulling direction will produce motion in the opposite and how much (e.g. how many feet of the stick will land on each side of the vice or will it all land on one side and by how far?)
 
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  • #2
When you say "semi-rigid" can you quantify that at all? It seems the answer would depend on both the degree to which the beam was deflected and the "stretching" of the chain or cord or whatever you're using. If the beam is perfectly rigid and the chain doesn't stretch at all then all forces are relieved the instant the beam fractures and so it just topples over.
 
  • #3
Your answer, in my words says all of the stick will be on one side. I follow that.

Answer to your questions

1. Rope has 6% elongation
2. The stick bows more at the top then bottom (like a tree) - Let's say it bows 10 feet from vertical center, measured at the 102 foot mark.

Now, will any of the stick land on the back side of the vice unlike the situation you described. If yes, what %?
 
  • #4
I can't help you with the details but the deflection of the beam will tell you what force was applied to it. In turn, that force will give you the effective "spring constant" of the cord. Since you know how much the cord was stretched you can determine the force being applied to the "free" beam (Hooke's Law) while the cord remains stretched. You should be able to apply Newton's equations of motion to find the trajectory. I think it's likely the beam will land on the cord side since it's being pulled in that direction with no torque!
 
  • #5
Since the process creates a spring and momentum is always conserved, a portion of the stick must fall behind the vice opposite the side it was being pulled on. Agree?

I don't need to know or do the equations, it has been a while, just theoretically will the stick land on both sides of the vice?
 

1. What is the "Final Resting Place" of a broken wood stick loaded with potential energy?

The final resting place of a broken wood stick loaded with potential energy depends on various factors such as the type of wood, the amount of potential energy, and the surrounding environment. In most cases, the stick will come to rest on the ground or surface it was broken on.

2. How does a wood stick store potential energy?

A wood stick stores potential energy through the chemical bonds in its molecules. When the stick is bent or compressed, the molecules are strained and the potential energy is stored. When the stick breaks, this stored energy is released.

3. Can a broken wood stick still have potential energy?

Yes, even after breaking, a wood stick can still have potential energy depending on the amount of strain and the remaining pieces. For example, if the stick is only partially broken and still bent, it will still have some potential energy stored.

4. What factors affect the potential energy of a broken wood stick?

The potential energy of a broken wood stick can be affected by various factors such as the type of wood, the amount of strain or bending, and the surrounding environment. For example, a thicker and denser wood stick will have more potential energy than a thinner and lighter one.

5. Is it safe to handle a broken wood stick loaded with potential energy?

No, it is not safe to handle a broken wood stick loaded with potential energy. The released energy can cause the stick to snap back or the broken pieces to fly off, potentially causing injury. It is important to handle broken wood sticks with caution and use proper safety measures.

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