What causes the amplification of twists in a hanging chain with a rubber band?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter BuddyBoson
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Quality
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon observed when a rubber band is used to amplify the number of twists in a hanging gold chain. Participants explore the underlying principles or laws that may account for this effect, as well as its potential connections to concepts in string theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes an experiment involving a rubber band and a gold chain, noting that the number of twists in the chain increases significantly when the rubber band is used.
  • The same participant expresses curiosity about the physical laws or rules that might explain this amplification of twists.
  • Another participant suggests further experimentation with the rubber band to derive insights related to string theory.
  • A different participant requests a visual representation to better understand the described setup.
  • One participant expresses frustration with the responses received, indicating a lack of appreciation for the initial question and adding that the twisting effect occurs even when the chain is bunched at the bottom.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes multiple viewpoints and lacks consensus on the explanation for the observed phenomenon. Participants express varying levels of understanding and interest in the topic.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the mechanics of the rubber band and chain interaction remain unaddressed, and the discussion does not resolve the underlying physical principles involved.

BuddyBoson
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi all, I've got a question about an effect an effect I've seen when playing with rubber bands and a 1.5(ish)mm wide gold chain. I held one end of a rubber band while i rolled the other end between my thumb and index finger until it became difficult to do so without a third hand (You'll see what i mean). I then affixed the chain to one end of the rubber band, the opposite part of the band on a desk lamp so as the chain hung free and perpendicular to the floor. The effect amplifies the number of twists from top to bottom in the chain by about 2.5 to 7.
2.5 being if i hung the chain without the band.

I just wondering what law or rule accounts for this, if any.
(If not, I want the credit. Don't be dickholes. I'm talking to you Stephen.)

Interestingly, I find the stacking of coils in the rubber band a good way to describe the stacking if coils of energy dimensions in string theory.

-Outlaw floor use. We have no idea what gravity is capable of. ~Me
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Amazingly amazing.:eek:
 
BuddyBoson said:
Hi all, I've got a question about an effect an effect I've seen when playing with rubber bands and a 1.5(ish)mm wide gold chain. I held one end of a rubber band while i rolled the other end between my thumb and index finger until it became difficult to do so without a third hand (You'll see what i mean). I then affixed the chain to one end of the rubber band, the opposite part of the band on a desk lamp so as the chain hung free and perpendicular to the floor. The effect amplifies the number of twists from top to bottom in the chain by about 2.5 to 7.
2.5 being if i hung the chain without the band.

I just wondering what law or rule accounts for this, if any.
(If not, I want the credit. Don't be dickholes. I'm talking to you Stephen.)

Interestingly, I find the stacking of coils in the rubber band a good way to describe the stacking if coils of energy dimensions in string theory.

-Outlaw floor use. We have no idea what gravity is capable of. ~Me


If I were you, I would keep experimenting with the elastic band and try to derive more usefull string theory insights.
 
You need to provide a picture because I have no idea what you're describing.
 
Wow, you sure sound like you have the authority to answer the damn question and probably lack the capacity to look through the joke. That's ok, i didn,t want people like yours OPINION anyways.

PS I forgot to also list the fact it twists the chain even when bunched up at the bottom of the chain with the top of the chain affixed.
 
Bye.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K