Turtle crawling on elastic cable

In summary, a turtle is crawling on a cable made of super elastic material at a constant speed of 1mm per second. The cable is also being stretched at a constant speed of 1km per second. If the turtle is immortal and the cable can be stretched infinitely, it will take 1000 seconds for the turtle to reach the other end of the cable. However, the turtle's position does not advance with the overall increase in cable length, but only with the increase in the piece of cable behind it. Therefore, the previous calculation of the turtle's position reaching the end of the cable is incorrect.
  • #1
SataSata
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2

Homework Statement


A turtle is crawling along a cable made of super elastic material. The turtle speed is constant at 1mm per second. The cable's length is 1km and at the same time it is being stretched at a constant speed of 1km per second. Suppose the turtle is immortal and the cable can be stretched infinitely long, will the turtle reach the other end of the cable? If so, how long will it take?
The stretching of the cable also causes the turtle to move together with the point it's at.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Cable length over time l(t) = Initial length + cable length growth = 1 + 1t

Turtle position over time x(t) = Initial speed over time + cable length growth = 0.001t + 1t = 1.001t

For turtle to reach the end:
x(t) > l(t)
1.001t > 1 + t
t > 1000s
Hence turtle will reach end of cable in 1000s.

So what I did is actually wrong. Can somebody explain why?

At 10s, cable length is 11km while turtle position is at 10.01km
At 100s, cable length is 101km while turtle position is at 100.1km
At 1000s, cable length is 1001km while turtle position is also at 1001km
Why is this wrong? Did I misunderstood how the turtle's position will change with the stretching of the cable?
 
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  • #2
Turtle doesn't advance with the cable length increase of the whole cable. Only with the increase of the piece behind him/her (how do you distinguish a female turtle from a male one ?)
 

Related to Turtle crawling on elastic cable

1. How does a turtle crawl on an elastic cable?

A turtle crawls on an elastic cable by using its strong limbs and claws to grip onto the cable and pull itself forward. The elasticity of the cable allows the turtle to stretch and move along with it.

2. Can turtles crawl on any type of elastic cable?

Yes, turtles can crawl on various types of elastic cables as long as they are strong enough to support the weight of the turtle and have enough stretch to accommodate its movements.

3. What is the purpose of a turtle crawling on an elastic cable?

Turtles may crawl on elastic cables for various reasons, such as to reach food or a new habitat, to escape predators, or as a form of exercise.

4. Is it safe for turtles to crawl on an elastic cable?

It is generally safe for turtles to crawl on an elastic cable as long as the cable is sturdy and the turtle is able to grip onto it securely. However, there is always a risk of the turtle falling off the cable, so it is important to supervise them while they are crawling.

5. Do all turtles have the ability to crawl on elastic cables?

No, not all turtles have the ability to crawl on elastic cables. This behavior is typically seen in aquatic turtles that have strong limbs and are adept at climbing and gripping onto surfaces.

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