Why Does Energy Dissipate When a Tug's Cable Breaks?

[damienr]

Homework Statement

If a tug is pulling a ship and its cable pops it is observed that the tug speeds up while the ship slows down, explain what principle is observed and why energy is NOT conserved.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Principle Of moments and i don't know why energy is NOT conserved

 

[berkeman]

Homework Statement

If a tug is pulling a ship and its cable pops it is observed that the tug speeds up while the ship slows down, explain what principle is observed and why energy is NOT conserved.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Principle Of moments and i don't know why energy is NOT conserved

Don't think moments are involved, but I could be missing something.

Start by thinking of both objects being on a frictionless plane, and you cut the rope...

Then add in friction and think about what happens.

Is water anything like friction?


EDIT -- Welcome to the PF, BTW!

 

[nlightner]

The principle observed in this situation is the principle of moments, also known as the law of action and reaction. This principle states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this case, the tug is exerting a force on the ship, causing it to move in the opposite direction. When the cable pops, the force from the tug is suddenly removed, causing the tug to speed up and the ship to slow down.

The reason why energy is not conserved in this situation is because energy is lost in the form of heat and sound. When the cable pops, there is a sudden release of energy, which is dissipated as heat and sound. This energy cannot be recovered and therefore, the total energy of the system decreases. This is known as energy dissipation, and it is a common occurrence in real-world situations. In order for energy to be conserved, there must be no external forces or energy losses in the system. In this case, the sudden release of energy due to the cable popping violates the principle of conservation of energy.