Calculating Swinger Mass with Limited Information

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SUMMARY

The maximum mass of a swinger can be calculated using the tension in the rope, which is 800N, and the angle of 27 degrees from the vertical. The formula T = mg + mv²/r is applicable, where T is the tension, m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and v is the velocity. By substituting the length of the rope as "r" and recognizing that mass "m" will cancel out, the problem can be simplified to find the maximum mass without needing specific values for height or velocity.

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  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation to simplify equations and solve for unknowns.
  • Basic understanding of dynamics involving circular motion.
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1MileCrash
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A rope has a max tension of 800N.

A swinger is pulled back so that the rope is 27 degrees from vertical.

What's the max mass of the swinger?

Ok... I have tried a few approaches. I can't relate potential to kinetic because I am not given height. And even if i could get to kinetic, i don't know mass!

I figure that tension must be able to support weight and apply the centripetal force,

T=mg + mv^2/r

But I have no r.. no length, no v.. what's the key?
 
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Hi 1MileCrash! :smile:

Call the length "r" and the mass "m" …

they'll cancel out in the end! :wink:​
 

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