- #1
Loren Booda
- 3,125
- 4
Classical "string" problem
My freshman physics class was given the following problem. I can't remember if it can be solved by classical physics alone, or else needs a quantum mechanical start:
Half of a perfectly flexible string of length L and negligible width lies straight and motionless on an exactly horizontal (to gravity) frictionless table, while the other half hangs freely from its edge. How much time transpires until the string slips completely over the edge?
My freshman physics class was given the following problem. I can't remember if it can be solved by classical physics alone, or else needs a quantum mechanical start:
Half of a perfectly flexible string of length L and negligible width lies straight and motionless on an exactly horizontal (to gravity) frictionless table, while the other half hangs freely from its edge. How much time transpires until the string slips completely over the edge?