A chain of mass M and length L is suspended vertically with its lower end touching a scale. The chain is released and falls onto the scale. What is the reading of the scale when a length x of the chain has fallen? Neglect the size of the individual links.

Expert Answers

| Certified Educator

There are two quantities which effect the reading on the scale. The weight of the chain that has accumulated on the scale after falling a distance x and the impulse per unit time imparted by the chain colliding with the scale. The total force is the sum of these two contributions.

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

Already a member? Log in here.

Images:

Image (1 of 1)

Further Reading

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/impulse.html

Approved by eNotes Editorial