Modeling the tearing of paper

A model is presented which predicts the path along which ordinary machine-made paper will tear. Based on the idea of minimum work being done as the paper tears, this model leads to curve-generating equations which are solved numerically via a simple basic program. A key feature making this a pedagogically attractive activity is that immediate experimental feedback is possible by printing out the theoretical curves and comparing them to the actual tearing curves produced when the printouts are torn. Typical results obtained when this is done are included.