How Does Friction Affect the Span of a Sliding Chain?

[Johnny87]

The end links of a uniform chain can slide on a fixed rough horizontal rod. Show that the ratio of the extreme span to the length of the chain is

mu log{[1+(1+mu^2)^(1/2)]/ mu}





Please help me!

 

[Shooting Star]

Either you draw a diagram, or explain in more detail how the system looks. Where is the chain wrt the rod and how it is sliding?

 

[Johnny87]

No idea, this was the text of the exercise. No picture, no explanation.

 

[Johnny87]

Does anyone know hot to solve this? Please help me!

 

[robphy]

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=94379