Re: irreversible lifting

[Richard Tarara <rtarara@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Green <JMGreen@SISNA.COM>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: Monday, November 01, 1999 3:34 PM
Subject: Re: irreversible lifting


> > Here's my attempt.  I'll use an Atwood's apparatus, frictionless pulley,
> > massless rope, and two equal masses starting at the same height.  I need
add
> > only a minute amount of energy (essentially zero) to one side (say the
right
> > side) and then the right-hand mass will fall lifting the left-hand mass.
>
> How would one "add _energy_ ... to one side"???
>
> Maybe "add mass" and thus through relativity add energy???
>
> Jim Green

I was thinking more in terms of doing a miniscule amount of work--a VERY
small push through a VERY small displacement--just enough to get the whole
thing moving--at a VERY small speed thus gaining a VERY small amount of KE.
Then we let gravity take over.

Rick