Article
Why Trucks Don't Hit Power Lines and the Utility of Catenaries to Electric Utilities the Utility of Catenaries to Electric Utilities
Demos with Positive Impact Online Instructional Resources
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2003
Disciplines
- Education and
- Mathematics
Abstract
This demo was motivated by a conversation between Lori Braselton and her father, Charles "Nick" Maruth, Jr. [1] of Davenport, Iowa. He posed the problem:
“Two poles with heights of 100 feet are to be connected by a flexible cable of length 150 feet. How far apart should the poles be placed so that the distance from the bottom of the wire to the ground is 25 feet? HINT: The answer is obvious.”
The "obvious" answer and its not so obvious variations are discussed in this demo.
Citation Information
Sharon Barrs, James P. Braselton and Lorraine Braselton. "Why Trucks Don't Hit Power Lines and the Utility of Catenaries to Electric Utilities the Utility of Catenaries to Electric Utilities" Demos with Positive Impact Online Instructional Resources (2003) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/james_braselton/162/