Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the child-Earth system

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the gravitational potential energy (GPE) of the child-Earth system, use the formula GPE = mgy, where m is the child's weight (32.2 N) and y is the height (1.65 m) from the lowest position. The calculation involves substituting the values into the equation, yielding GPE = 32.2 N * 1.65 m. Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations, indicating that they might not be getting the expected results. It's emphasized that using the correct height relative to the lowest position is crucial for an accurate answer. Understanding these principles will lead to the correct calculation of the gravitational potential energy.
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Homework Statement


A 32.2 N child is in a swing that is attached to ropes 1.65 m long. Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the child-Earth system relative to the child's lowest position when the ropes are horizontal


Homework Equations


GPI=mgy
Ke= 1/2 m v^2

The Attempt at a Solution


0+.5mv^2= mgy + 0
i think I am on the right track but i don't seem to get the right answer
 
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Just use GPI=mgy where y = 1.65 m.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
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Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
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