Calculating Tarzan's Max Swing Speed

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating Tarzan's maximum swing speed at the lowest point of his arc using physics principles. The correct approach involves applying the equations of motion, specifically Fc = mv²/r and T = Fc + Fg, where T represents the tension in the vine. The user initially miscalculated the speed as 38.2 m/s, but the accurate calculation yields a maximum speed of 5.6 m/s, as confirmed by the textbook. The user later derived a speed of 1.823 m/s, indicating a misunderstanding in the application of the equations.

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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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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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