December 29, 2011
Classical Mechanics Puzzle
Associate Professor of Physics Michael L. Broide and colleague Norman Paris published a comprehensive analysis of an intriguing mechanics problem in the American Journal of Physics. Their paper was the second-most read AJP article in December 2011.
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Michael L. Broide, Associate Professor and Chair of Physics, and Norman Paris, a former Visiting Assistant Professor, published their analysis of an intriguing physics problem involving the coupled motion of two blocks. Their paper was the second-most read AJP article in December 2011.
Which Block Wins?
Block 1 sits on a frictionless table and is connected by a string to block 2. When block 2 is released, it swings toward the table. Simultaneously, block 1 slides toward the pulley. Will block 1 hit the pulley before or after block 2 hits the side of the table? The blocks are identical and start from rest equidistant from the pulley. See American Journal of Physics for the answer and the details.
