How Does a Falling Chain Affect Scale Readings?

[Sam_Goldberg]

Homework Statement

Hi guys, I have a question on problem 4.11 in Kleppner and Kolenkow's mechanics book. A chain of mass M and length L is suspended vertically with its lowest end touching a scale. The chain is released and falls onto the scale. What is the reading of the scale when a length of chain, x, has fallen?

Homework Equations

I will denote the chain's linear mass density by r = M/L.

The Attempt at a Solution

Okay, there are only two forces acting on the chain: the normal force of the scale and the gravity force due to its mass. The normal force N is what we're interested in; we want it as a function of position. I will write Newton's second law for the chain:

r (d/dt)[(L - x)(-x')] = N - rLg

The left hand side is the change in vertical momentum of the chain; the right side is the normal force and weight. Note that x' = dx/dt. This rewrites as:

N/r = Lg - Lx'' + (x')^2 + xx'' (equation 1)

Now, let's use conservation of energy on the chain. The normal force at the bottom does no work, but the conservative gravitational force does. We get (equating the energy at chain fallen x to the energy at the beginning of the fall):

(1/2)r(L - x)(x')^2 + r(L - x)g(L - x)/2 = rLg*L/2

Simplifying,

(x')^2 + g(L - x) = g(L^2)/(L - x) (equation 2)

I will now take the time derivative of each side to get:

x'' = (g/2) + (g/2)(L^2)/[(L - x)^2] (equation 3)

Now I substitute equations 2 and 3 into equation 1 to come up with the expression for the normal force on the chain. After some algebra, I get:

N = rg[(-L/2) + (3/2)x + (L^2)/(2L - 2x)]

which is not the answer. Am I messing up Newton's second law, the energy conservation, or my algebra after I plug things in? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[turin]

x''=g should be true, shouldn't it?

 

[tomcue]

I would suggest double-checking your calculations and equations to ensure that they are correct. It is possible that you may have made a mistake in one of your equations or algebraic manipulations. I would also recommend reviewing the problem statement and making sure that you are interpreting it correctly. If you are still having trouble, I would suggest seeking assistance from a professor or fellow student for clarification or guidance. It is important to approach scientific problems with a critical and careful mindset in order to arrive at the correct solution.