Rope Burning Time Measurement · CAP 2025 #19

Physics · mechanics

Problem

In old times, to start a delayed explosion, for example in mining, one would set fire to one end of a rope, which would burn slowly along its length, with the other end at the explosive material. Suppose you have two non-identical ropes, each of which takes one hour to burn its entire length. The ropes have varying thicknesses, so different sections burn at different rates. What is the minimum time interval you can measure?

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