Calculating Tarzan's Max Swing Speed

AI Thread Summary
Tarzan's maximum swing speed at the lowest point of his arc is calculated using the forces acting on him, including tension and gravitational force. Initially, an incorrect calculation led to a result of 38.2 m/s, which contradicted the textbook answer of 5.6 m/s. A second attempt using the correct approach yielded a speed of 1.823 m/s, indicating a misunderstanding in applying the equations. The key issue lies in properly accounting for the forces and mass in the calculations. Correctly applying the physics principles is essential for determining the accurate maximum speed.
Quantum Fizzics
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Homework Statement


Tarzan plans to cross a gorge by swinging in an arc from a hanging vine. If his arms are capable of exerting a force of 1500N on the rope, what is the maximum speed he can tolerate at the lowest point of his swing? His mass is 85kg; the vine is 4.0m long

Homework Equations


Fc = mv2/r
Fg = mg
T = Fc +Fg
Fc = T-Fg

The Attempt at a Solution


How I did it at first was:
T = Fc+ Fg
Fc=T-Fg
mv^2/r = 1500 -mg
V^2/4 =1500 - 10(cancelled out the masses)
v = 1500 -10(4) ~~~~(idk how to the square root in my calculator hopefully u get the idea)
v = 38.2 m/s
-----------------------------
The answer was wrong according to the textbook( 5.6m/s at the lowest point of the swing)
So I tried another way starting from the side
T = Fc
1500 = mv^2/r
1500 = 85v^2/4
1500(4)/85 (square root) = v
v= 1.823 m/s
-------------------------
WHAT HAVE I DONE WRONG :c I used the equations I was taught but meeh please help
 
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Quantum Fizzics said:

Homework Statement


Tarzan plans to cross a gorge by swinging in an arc from a hanging vine. If his arms are capable of exerting a force of 1500N on the rope, what is the maximum speed he can tolerate at the lowest point of his swing? His mass is 85kg; the vine is 4.0m long

Homework Equations


Fc = mv2/r
Fg = mg
T = Fc +Fg
Fc = T-Fg

The Attempt at a Solution


How I did it at first was:
T = Fc+ Fg
Fc=T-Fg
mv^2/r = 1500 -mg
V^2/4 =1500 - 10(cancelled out the masses)

How do you cancel out the masses and leave the 1500 unchanged? This is where your problems start.

v = 1500 -10(4) ~~~~(idk how to the square root in my calculator hopefully u get the idea)
v = 38.2 m/s
-----------------------------
The answer was wrong according to the textbook( 5.6m/s at the lowest point of the swing)
So I tried another way starting from the side
T = Fc
1500 = mv^2/r
1500 = 85v^2/4
1500(4)/85 (square root) = v
v= 1.823 m/s
-------------------------
WHAT HAVE I DONE WRONG :c I used the equations I was taught but meeh please help

It takes more than just memorizing some equations. You've got to get the math right as well.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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