I and Tim float a long string of closely spaced helium-filled

[Pranav Jha]

I and Tim float a long string of closely spaced helium-filled balloons over his used-car lot. We
secure both ends of the string to the ground several meters apart so that the balloons float over the lot in forming the shape of a catenary. Why that shape?

 

[Feldoh]

My claim is that the shape of the string is such that the potential energy of the sting is minimized.

 

[Pranav Jha]

My claim is that the shape of the string is such that the potential energy of the sting is minimized.

Please explain that statement

 

[K^2]

Catenary is formed under two forces - weight and tension. Here, you made the weight negative, by attaching balloons.

Now, if you want to know why catenary is the curve made by free-hanging rope, you need to look at the differential equations for it. But it should be clear why balloons force the same shape, only upside down.

 

[Pranav Jha]

Catenary is formed under two forces - weight and tension. Here, you made the weight negative, by attaching balloons.

Now, if you want to know why catenary is the curve made by free-hanging rope, you need to look at the differential equations for it. But it should be clear why balloons force the same shape, only upside down.

sorry but i am still clueless about how to understand your explanation