Why doesn't the rope break when Harry is supported by it?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a scenario where Harry, a painter, is supported by a rope while swinging from a bosun's chair. The question explores why the rope, which has a breaking point of 300 N, does not break despite Harry's weight of 575 N. It also considers the implications of tying the rope to a flagpole instead of the chair.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on Harry and suggest that the forces may cancel each other out in the initial scenario. There is speculation about the rope breaking when tied to the flagpole due to uneven forces. Some participants also mention the effect of using multiple cables on the overall strength.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify the concepts of force and tension in the context of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the forces involved, but there is no explicit consensus on the reasoning or outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted the absence of visual aids initially, which may have impacted the clarity of the discussion. There is also a focus on conceptual understanding rather than numerical calculations or specific methods.

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Homework Statement


Harry the painter swings year after year from his bosun’s chair. His weight is 575 N and the rope, unknown to him, has a breaking point of 300 N. Why doesn’t the rope break when he is supported as shown at the left below? One day Harry is painting near a flagpole, and, for a change, he ties the free end of the rope to the flagpole instead of to his chair as shown at the right. What happens to Harry and why? (2 pts.)





Homework Equations



fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


To be honest I'm entirely lost. It is more of a conceptual question and I believe the answer may have to do with the forces cancelling each other out. I also believe the rope will snap when on the flag pole (or the pole might) because of the uneven forces.
 
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We need the pictures.
 
I am sorry, I thought it uploaded, one moment.
 
Here, it is attached.
 

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In the first diaram, there are 2 forces(cables) pulling the man.
In the second diagram, only one force pulling the man.
 
That still doesn't help much.
 
If 2 identical cables are twisted together then the strength(breaking point) must be double than that of a single cable.
 

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