Why Does the Rope Snap When Bob Accelerates His Truck?

In summary, the conversation discusses a scenario where Bob attempts to tow a car with his truck. The rope between the vehicles snaps due to Bob accelerating rapidly with his truck. The solution suggests using Newton's First Law, stating that if there is no net force acting on a body, its velocity cannot change and it cannot accelerate. The car, being at rest, wants to stay at rest. The rope likely snapped before any significant force could be exerted.
  • #1
Ambushes
4
0

Homework Statement



Sorry if i sound stupid, i just can't understand this problem.
Bob wants to tow a car with his truck. He loosely attaches a rope between the vehicles. Bob accelerates rapidly with his truck, forcing the rope to snap.

Explain the scenario using Newton's First Law.

The Attempt at a Solution



I want to say that the car wants to stay at rest, but shouldn't bob's truck be considered an external force acting upon it?

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Hi Ambushes,
First law in terms of a net force: "if there is no net force acting on a body (Fnet=0), the body's velocity cannot change and the body cannot accelerate"
The loosely tied rope probably snapped before any significant force could be exerted.
A body at rest, stays at rest.
Hope it helps!
 

1. What is Newton's 1st law?

Newton's 1st law, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest will remain at rest and an object in motion will remain in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.

2. How does Newton's 1st law apply to everyday situations?

Newton's 1st law can be observed in many everyday situations, such as a book remaining on a table until someone picks it up or a car continuing to move forward even after the accelerator is released.

3. What is the relationship between mass and inertia in Newton's 1st law?

Mass is directly related to inertia in Newton's 1st law. The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia, meaning it will require more force to change its state of motion.

4. Can Newton's 1st law be broken?

No, Newton's 1st law is a fundamental principle in physics and cannot be broken. It has been observed and proven through countless experiments and is a cornerstone of classical mechanics.

5. How is Newton's 1st law related to the concept of equilibrium?

Newton's 1st law is closely related to the concept of equilibrium, which is a state of balance and no change in motion. In an equilibrium state, all forces acting on an object are balanced, and Newton's 1st law dictates that the object will remain in this state unless acted upon by an external force.

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