Both free ends will recoil, with the longest section of rope recoiling with
the greatest force.

"Steven Shelikoff" wrote in message
...
On 30 May 2004 17:39:14 GMT, obull (CCred68046)
wrote:

Theoretical Situation: Two identical boats. One is towing the other with
a
small diameter (undersized for the job) 30' rope.

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?

Should it snap back towards the boat in tow (the load). Or should it
snap
toward the boat pulling the load (the force)?

Where did it snap? Whatever portion of the rope is still attached to
either boat will go toward that boat.

Steve