Balloon and chain: an instructive variable mass system. (10th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denny, Mark
• Is Part Of: European journal of physics. Volume 42:Number 2(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02-10
• Subjects: variable mass -- Meshchersky -- Newtonian mechanics -- Lagrangian mechanics -- damped oscillator; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Europe -- Periodicals; 530
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6404/abd306
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-0807

Abstract

Abstract: The physics of variable mass systems is not as widely known as it should be; the required modifications to Newton's laws and to the Euler–Lagrange equation are here outlined with a simple example of a chain lifted by a balloon. The confusion surrounding this subject is clarified, and a useful technique for avoiding the pitfalls of variable mass analysis is presented.