Another look at the uniform rope sliding over the edge of a smooth table

The motion of a uniform rope sliding over the edge of a table has been repeatedly used to exemplify systems with variable mass. This usually involves a division of the system into two parts, which are considered separately. As a result, some physical information is lost and the motion of the rope looks somewhat awkward. The problem is re‐examined by properly considering the rope as a fixed‐mass two‐dimensional system. Several questions, including under what conditions will the rope keep the ’’inverted L shape,’’ are also studied.