How to find Vmax squared for circular motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum speed Tarzan can tolerate at the lowest point of his swing while crossing a gorge. The problem involves concepts from circular motion and forces, specifically relating to tension and gravitational force.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force, mass, and velocity in the context of circular motion. There are attempts to clarify the distinction between mass and weight, and questions arise regarding the assumptions made in the initial equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the initial setup and assumptions, particularly regarding the inclusion of gravitational force and the implications of Tarzan's weight. Some guidance has been offered about considering the forces acting on Tarzan at the lowest point of the swing.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the need for local gravitational acceleration, which has not been explicitly stated in the problem. Participants are also discussing the implications of assuming zero velocity in the context of tension in the vine.

Jade_lowe
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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 1500 N on the vine, what is the maximum speed he can tolerate at the lowest point of his swing? His mass is 80 kg, and the vine is 4.5 m long.
Relevant Equations
Fmax= mvmax^2/r
T= m*vmax^2/r 1500 = (80kg)vmax^2/4.5
 
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Jade_lowe 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 1500 N on the vine, what is the maximum speed he can tolerate at the lowest point of his swing? His mass is 80 kg, and the vine is 4.5 m long.
Relevant Equations:: Fmax= mvmax^2/r

T= m*vmax^2/r 1500 = (80kg)vmax^2/4.5
You forgot to consider Tarzans weight.
 
The mass is his weight.
 
Jade_lowe said:
The mass is his weight.
No. It isn’t. Do a free body diagram of Tarzan at the base of the swing.
 
This is what the question gave me.
 
Jade_lowe said:
This is what the question gave me.
We’ll, they should have stated local ##g## too, but you can assume 9.81 m/s².
 
Think about Tarzan just hanging there with zero velocity. Does your equation make sense for ##v=0## in terms of the tension developed in his arms?
 
Jade_lowe said:
The mass is his weight.
Welcome, @Jade_lowe !

Our weight is a force (measured in Newtons) with which gravity pulls the mass (measured in kilograms) of our bodies down.

In free fall, our bodies are accelerated (the falling velocity increases) at a rate of 9.81 meters per second, for each second that goes by.
 

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