Abstract
We study a variation of the hanging chain problem. If one end (or both) of a hanging chain moves with stretching the chain along a path such that an external force(s) supporting the chain does not do any work, what path does the movable end draw? Sketching the path (“the workless curve”) will help students to acquire a qualitative understanding of work. In its mathematical derivation, one has to solve transcendental equations under an approximation including the Lambert [Formula: see text] function. It is suitable for undergraduate students in calculus-based physics courses.
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