Question

2. An athlete of average size is hanging from the end of a 20 m long rope, which has a mass of 4 kg and is attached to a hook in the ceiling of a gym. If the athlete makes a sudden movement at the end of the rope, estimate how long it will take the disturbance to reach the hook.

Answer 1

Answer:

  t = 0.319 s

Explanation:

With the sudden movement of the athlete a pulse is formed that takes time to move along the rope, the speed of the rope is given by

             v = √T/λ

Linear density is

           λ = m / L

           λ = 4/20

           λ = 0.2 kg / m

The tension in the rope is equal to the athlete's weight, suppose it has a mass of m = 80 kg

           T = W = mg

           T = 80 9.8

           T = 784 N

The pulse rate is

          v = √(784 / 0.2)

          v = 62.6 m / s

The time it takes to reach the hook can be searched with kinematics

          v = x / t

          t = x / v

          t = 20 / 62.6

          t = 0.319 s