Conservation of momentum problem in variable.

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves Tarzan swinging from a height H and picking up Jane in a perfectly inelastic collision, leading to a combined height h. Conservation of momentum is applied to relate the initial and final velocities of Tarzan and Jane. The kinetic energy at the bottom of the swing is converted into gravitational potential energy to determine the height h. By expressing the velocities in terms of height, a relationship between h and H can be established. The discussion emphasizes the connection between momentum conservation and energy conservation to solve the problem.
CandyApples
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Homework Statement


Tarzan mass M swings from a vine from rest at height H. At the bottom of the arc he picks up Jane of mass m in a perfectly inelastic collision. They reach a vertical height h. How far vertically above h is H?

Homework Equations


Pi = Pf
R = \Sigmamr/\Sigmam

The Attempt at a Solution


Using conservation of momentum:
Mv1 = (M + m)v2
Center of mass:
(MH + (m+M)h)/(m + M)

I feel as though these must somehow be related to find the distance, but after looking for quite some time now, no obvious correlations are coming. I would appreciate any help in getting me in the right direction. Thanks!
 
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CandyApples said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Using conservation of momentum:
Mv1 = (M + m)v2

So we can find v2 in terms of v1.

Can you find v1 in terms of H ? (think energy)

At the bottom of the arc, Tarzan has 0 potential energy and only kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is converted into gravitational potential energy to the height h.

Can you find a relation between h and H now?
 
Yes it is now much easier, thank you so much.
 
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