Variable mass problem (integration help)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a uniform chain on a frictionless table, where part of the chain hangs over the edge. The user presents their integration attempt and expresses confusion about the final result, specifically regarding the square root of l/g in their answer. They receive feedback indicating that the square root should not be applied, as it affects the dimensionality of time. The conversation concludes with acknowledgment of the oversight regarding the integration process. The importance of proper dimensional analysis in physics problems is emphasized.
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Homework Statement



I've pretty much solved it, but I'm unsure of my final integration

A uniform chain of length L and density /rho(kg/m) is initially stationary on a horizontal, frictionless table, with part of the chain (length yo) hanging over the edge. How much time passes before the entire chain has left the table?


Homework Equations



arccosh(x) = log(sqrt(x2-1)+x)


The Attempt at a Solution




I don't think i need to put all the work I've done.


my integral

\int \sqrt{(y^{2}-y^{2}_{o})g/l}^{-1/2}

the answer i get is

arccosh( \sqrt{l/g}*y/y_{o})

or

\sqrt{l/g}*log(2(\sqrt{y^{2}-y^{2}_{o}}+y))

yet on wolfram and other websites they say that l/g should not be square rooted. Yet i don't see why.

thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
L/g has to be square rooted. If not, the dimension of the time is wrong.

ehild
 
ah yes, thank you. I should have noticed that
 
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