Two blocks connected with a fragile rope

In summary, the maximal force that can be applied to the block without breaking the rope will depend on the choice of the block. A diagram would be helpful to determine the force, whether it is applied horizontally or vertically, and the speed of application. A slow force may not make a difference, but a quick jerk could break the rope. The tension in the rope will also depend on which side the force is applied to. The maximum acceleration that the rope can give to the blocks is 2m/s^2 for the 10kg block and 1m/s^2 for the 20kg block. The maximum force that can be applied to the 10kg block is 30N, and for the 20kg block it
  • #1
ChessEnthusiast
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Let's say that we have two blocks - 2 kg and 1 kg.
They are connected with a rope that can stand the maximal tension of 20 N.

Does the maximal force we can apply to the block so that the rope does not break apart depend on the choice of the block?
 
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  • #2
A diagram could help here. Does this involve a pulley? It's impossible to suggest and answer at the moment.
 
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  • #3
There is no pulley. We simply pull one of the block so that it increases the tension.
 
  • #4
ChessEnthusiast said:
There is no pulley. We simply pull one of the block so that it increases the tension.
A diagram would still help. Horizontal or vertical? Fast or slow application of force? Friction? Stationary or accelerating?

The answer is probably yes, but I can think of scenarios where it could be no.
 
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  • #5
Are the blocks floating in space or is there some friction involved. Without a diagram neither of us can help you.
 
  • #6
I have drawn a diagram.
 

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  • #7
If the force applied is very slow then it makes no difference. If the force is applied in a very quick jerk then it makes a big difference.
 
  • #9
The tension in the rope will depend on which side you apply the force. Even for the stationary case (or very slow application of force). Actually the fast application of force is the one that may break the rope in both cases.
 
  • #10
ChessEnthusiast said:
I have drawn a diagram.
That's more useful. Thanks
Yes, it's all to do with F=ma.
I am assuming that the applied force is ramped up slowly enough to avoid any stretching of the rope and no jerking.
For a start, the block at the end that's pulled will make no difference to the tension in the rope; we are just concerned with the 'other' block.
If the rope will stand 20N then the maximum acceleration it can give to the 10kg block will be 20/10 = 2m/s2. It can only give the 20kg block 20/20 = 1m/s2
To accelerate both blocks, the Force needed will be total mass X acceleration so the force when pulling the 20kg block directly can be as high as 30X2 = 60N and for pulling the 10kg block directly the force can be no more than 30N.
Any other practical details would need to be added in and the calculation would be much more complicated.
 
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1. What is the concept of two blocks connected with a fragile rope?

The concept of two blocks connected with a fragile rope refers to a physical scenario where two blocks are connected with a thin and easily breakable rope. This scenario is often used in physics experiments to demonstrate the concept of tension and how it affects the movement of objects.

2. How does the fragile rope affect the motion of the blocks?

The fragile rope in this scenario plays a crucial role in determining the motion of the blocks. As the rope is thin and breakable, it can only withstand a certain amount of tension before breaking. This tension created by the rope also affects the movement of the blocks, as they will move in accordance with the direction and strength of the tension.

3. What is the purpose of using a fragile rope in this scenario?

The purpose of using a fragile rope is to demonstrate the concept of tension in a visual and tangible way. As the rope is easily breakable, it allows for a clear understanding of how tension affects the motion of objects connected by the rope. It also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right materials and understanding their properties in scientific experiments.

4. How does the weight of the blocks impact the tension in the rope?

The weight of the blocks does not directly impact the tension in the rope. However, the weight of the blocks does affect the overall tension created in the rope. If the blocks are heavier, they will create more tension in the rope, and if they are lighter, they will create less tension.

5. What happens if the fragile rope breaks in this scenario?

If the fragile rope breaks, the tension holding the blocks together will be released, and the blocks will move independently from each other. This could result in the blocks falling to the ground or moving in different directions, depending on the direction and strength of the tension before the rope broke.

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