Max height crate can be dropped before breaking

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the maximum height from which a 40kg crate can be dropped without exceeding a breaking force of 1000N. The problem involves concepts from mechanics, specifically relating to forces, energy, and motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force, mass, and height, questioning how to equate the work done by the falling crate to the force it can withstand. There is uncertainty about the implications of the crate stopping instantaneously and the need for additional information regarding the dynamics of the drop.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the assumptions made in the problem, particularly regarding the nature of the stopping force and the implications of instantaneous stopping. Some guidance has been offered, but there is no clear consensus or resolution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may lack sufficient information to arrive at a definitive solution, particularly regarding the dynamics of the crate's fall and the stopping conditions.

Myriadi
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 40kg crate is lifted by a poorly working hoist system that risks dropping the object, which breaks at forces exceeding 1000N. Find the maximum height to which the crate can be hoisted before it risks breaking if dropped.

Homework Equations



F=ma=mg
U=mgh=(mv^2)/2
Fd=U

The Attempt at a Solution



Yes, it's a bizarre question... I honestly have no idea how to approach this.

This is all I could think of:

Fd=mgh
1000*d=40*9.81*h

But isn't d equal to h? How does that work?

I can't really seem to get anywhere with this...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You don't have enough information. It's not the rate of falling that matters - it's the rate of stopping at the bottom
 
But would we not just assume that the crate stops instantaneously?
 
Myriadi said:
But would we not just assume that the crate stops instantaneously?

The force would then be infinite. Remember, F = dp/dt. More information is needed for the problem.
 
Ah, I understand here. Thank you. Problem solved... err not really, but the topic can be closed.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K