A uniform chain of length L and mass M is initially held at one end at a height L above a table, so that the other end just touches the table. It is released at time t=0 and falls onto the table. Assume that the part of the chain that reaches the table stops moving and has negligible size.
(a) find the height y of its upper end as a function of time
(b) hence find the position of the centre of mass of the whole chain above the table
(c) by applying newton's second law to the centre of mass or otherwise, find the normal force exerted by the table on the chain as a function of time

Question

A uniform chain of length L and mass M is initially held at one end at a height L above a table, so that the other end just touches the table. It is released at time t=0 and falls onto the table. Assume that the part of the chain that reaches the table stops moving and has negligible size.
(a) find the height y of its upper end as a function of time
(b) hence find the position of the centre of mass of the whole chain above the table
(c) by applying newton's second law to the centre of mass or otherwise, find the normal force exerted by the table on the chain as a function of time

anonymous · Answer

I thought part c would not be related to time...