In tearing a paper towel or plastic bag

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of tearing a paper towel or plastic bag from a roll, focusing on the effectiveness of a sharp jerk compared to a slow pull. The subject area includes concepts from physics, particularly forces and motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force, acceleration, and the tearing mechanism, questioning how the roll's ability to rotate affects the outcome. Some consider the role of inertia in the tearing process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the assumptions regarding the roll's rotation and the mechanics involved in tearing. There is no explicit consensus, but various interpretations and theories are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that the roll is free to rotate and are considering the implications of this on the tearing process. The presence of perforated edges is also noted as a factor in the tearing mechanism.

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1. In tearing a paper towel or plastic bag from a roll, why is a sharp jerk more effective than a slow pull



2. I found this answer online

A quick, sharp jerk means a greater acceleration and a greater acceleration means a greater force. And it is force that tears the paper towel or plastic bag


The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking not only the force of the jerk like the answer online said but wouldn't it be as well because the roll is ƩF = 0 and the quick acceleration of the one piece while the rest remain unmoved?

I don't know if that is confusing sorry if it is.
 
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Is the roll free to rotate?

If so ask yourself why the paper would ever tear?
 
CWatters said:
Is the roll free to rotate?

If so ask yourself why the paper would ever tear?

I am making an assumption saying it is free to rotate, every single one I have encountered is. usually it tears because of the perforated edges. As well as I am assuming that the force and the jerk kind of the theory of the bus - when the bus accelerates you move forward and when it decelerates you move backward. the paper towel that you grabbed in my mind has the same theory its moving at a constant rate with a sudden change.
 
I think the word you are looking for is "Inertia".
 

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