Dropping Beads and their velocity?

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a dropped rope with spaced out beads that sound like they are hitting the ground at equal time intervals. The question is why this occurs and how to calculate the correct distance between the beads. It is determined that SUVAT equations, which use variables such as displacement, initial and final velocity, acceleration, and time, can be used to find the distance between any two beads.
  • #1
Olive1923
2
0

Homework Statement


A straight rope is dropped at a height where is it not touching the ground. The rope has 10 beads spaced out on it and tied so they do not move. From the bottom to the top, the space between the beads increase, where the distance is the smallest at the bottom and largest at the top. When the rope is dropped, the beads sound like they are hitting the ground at equal time intervals. Why does it sound like this and how would you find the correct distance space out the beads?

Homework Equations


I think this is a sense problem not a math problem, so no equations needed.

The Attempt at a Solution


I think for finding the distance, you have to space it out enough so that the velocity of the top bead has enough time to increase to match the speed of the bead below it. I am just not sure about my thoughts?
 
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  • #2
Equations are required..

If the time taken for the first bead to hit the ground is ## t_1 ## then the time taken for the nth bead to hit the ground is ## t_n = nt_1
##
From there we can form an expression using SUVAT equation/s for the distance between any two beads ## t_n ## and ##t_{n+1}##
 
  • #3
@billy_joule What are SUVAT equations?
 
  • #4
Olive1923 said:
@billy_joule What are SUVAT equations?
Equations of motion. The acronym is from some conventional variable names, S for displacement, U for initial velocity, V for final velocity, A for acceleration and T for time. Under an assumption of constant acceleration, there are "SUVAT" equations that allow each variable to be found in terms of the others. Google is your friend.
 

Related to Dropping Beads and their velocity?

1. How does the velocity of a dropping bead change over time?

The velocity of a dropping bead can be described by Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. As the bead falls, the force of gravity acts upon it, causing it to accelerate towards the ground. This acceleration is constant (9.8 m/s^2), so the velocity of the bead will increase by 9.8 m/s every second.

2. What factors can affect the velocity of a dropping bead?

The velocity of a dropping bead can be affected by several factors, including the height from which the bead is dropped, the mass and size of the bead, and air resistance. The higher the drop height, the greater the velocity of the bead will be due to a longer distance for acceleration. A heavier or larger bead will also have a higher velocity due to a greater force of gravity acting upon it. Air resistance can also play a role in slowing down the bead's velocity, especially for larger or more aerodynamic beads.

3. How does the velocity of a dropping bead compare to that of a thrown bead?

The velocity of a dropping bead will generally be less than that of a thrown bead due to the lack of an initial force. A thrown bead has an initial velocity from the force of the throw, whereas a dropping bead only has the force of gravity acting upon it. However, if the height of the drop is significant, the velocity of the dropping bead can surpass that of a thrown bead due to the longer distance for acceleration.

4. Can the velocity of a dropping bead be measured?

Yes, the velocity of a dropping bead can be measured using a variety of methods, such as using a stopwatch to time the bead's fall and calculating the average velocity using the distance and time, or using motion sensors to track the bead's movement and determine its velocity. However, factors such as air resistance and the precision of the measurement tools can affect the accuracy of the measured velocity.

5. How can the velocity of a dropping bead be used in real-life applications?

The velocity of a dropping bead can be used in a variety of real-life applications, such as in the design of parachutes, where understanding the velocity and acceleration of objects falling through the air is crucial. It can also be used in the study of fluid dynamics, as dropping beads into liquids can help researchers understand the behavior of fluids. Additionally, the velocity of a dropping bead can be used in sports and recreational activities, such as bungee jumping or ziplining, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants.

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