Conservation of Mechanical Energy in rope swing

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum height Tarzan can reach after Jane releases from the vine during their swing. The problem involves using conservation of mechanical energy, where potential energy at the start is converted into kinetic energy at the bottom of the swing. The equations presented include gravitational potential energy (GPE) and kinetic energy (KE) to solve for the final velocity after Jane releases. Participants suggest equating the energies before and after Jane's release to find the total energy available for Tarzan's ascent. The final step involves using this total energy to determine the maximum height Tarzan can achieve.
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Homework Statement



Tarzan and Jane, whose total mass is 130.0 kg, start their swing on a 5.0 m long vine when the vine is at an angle of 30 degrees with the horizontal. At the bottom of the arc, Jane, whose mass is 50.0 kg, releases the vine. What is the maximum height at which Tarzan can land on a branch after his swing continues? (Hint: Treat Tarzan's and Jane's energies as separates quanitities.)

Homework Equations



How to I calculate this?

The Attempt at a Solution



cos60=x/5
x=2.5
h=5-2.5=2.5

ME(i)=ME(f)
GPE=KE(f1)+KE(f2)
mgh=.5mv(f)^2 + .5 mv(f)^2
(130)(9.81)(2.5)=.5(50)v(f)^2 + .5(80)v(f)^2
3188.25=25v(f)^2 + 40v(f)^2

not sure if this is correct or where to go from here??
 
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Try this out.

When the swing starts, there is only potential energy.

gh(m1+m2)

At the bottom, there is only kinetic

1/2(m1+m2)v^2. Therefore, equate these 2 quantities and solve for v. Now, Jane (m2) releases off. So the energy on the bottom becomes:

1/2(m1+m2)v^2 - 1/2(m2)v^2 = Total

Finally, this total goes into how high he can go alone.

Total = m1 g h, solve for h. Good luck!
 
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