Force-Time Diagram for High Elevation Block Drop | Calculate Max Force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a theoretical scenario involving a block tied to a rope and dropped from a high elevation. Participants are exploring the dynamics of the force-time diagram and the calculation of maximum force, particularly in the context of oscillation and tension in the rope.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the nature of the oscillation and whether it resembles free fall or pendulum motion. There is discussion about the forces acting on the block during free fall and when the rope becomes taut. Some participants are considering the implications of impulse and how it relates to maximum tension in the rope.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with various interpretations being explored. Participants are seeking clarification on the setup and the definitions of terms such as "maximum force." There is an indication of productive direction regarding the relationship between impulse and tension, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the need to consider the variation of acceleration due to gravity and the idealization of the rope's properties, such as the absence of damping effects.

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This isn't a homework question but something I thought up but couldn't figure out.

If I tie a block to a rope at a very high elevation and throw the block down, what would the force-time diagram look like (from the moment the block is thrown) until the block begins to oscillate and how would I calculate the maximum force assuming that the rope has no dampening effect?

Thanks
 
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i can't understant what oscillation you are talking about

is it free fall or something like pendulum motion

do we need to take account of variation of acceleration due to gravity
 
It sounds like the rope is attached to the top of a pole, or something. Correct? In that case, while the block is in freefall, there is only the force of gravity causing it to accelerate. Assuming the rope is not a bungee cord, the block would become a swinging pendulum when the rope goes taught. As a pendulum, the block experiences the force of gravity plus the force of of the rope.

And what do you mean by "maximum force"? Force of what on what at what time?
 
Hi

Sorry for not stating my question properly. I was thinking of a situation similar to what chrisbaird said, rope is attached to the top of a pole at one end and a mass at the other. The mass is dropped from the top of the pole; I'm wondering how I can calculate the maximum tension in the string. I imagined this situation more ideally in that the oscillation I was talking about was up and down (due to the elasticity of the string) not side to side like a pendulum.
 
I think you would have to look at the impulse.
When the rope snaps taught would be where the maximum force is. If you get an equation to describe the impulse at a given time and then differentiate, the zero's should give you the max and mins of force, the max being the max tension on the rope. The subsequent motion would then be damped SHM.
 

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