Indiana Jones rope swing physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the angle θ of Indiana Jones swinging from a rope after 1.27 seconds, treating it as a simple pendulum. The initial angle is given as 19 degrees, and the distance from the pivot to his center of mass is 31.0 m. The user attempts to apply the formula for harmonic motion using x = A cos(wt + φ), where A is the amplitude, but consistently arrives at the wrong answer. Clarification is sought on the correct use of time and phase angle in the calculations. The conversation emphasizes the need for accurate input values and proper understanding of pendulum motion principles.
zhenyazh
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Hi,
I am preparing for a test and have the following question.
there is the image attached too.

Indiana Jones is swinging from a rope. The distance between the pivot point and his center of mass is 31.0 m. He begins swinging from rest at an angle θ = 19.0o as shown in the figure. Assuming that Indiana and the rope can be treated as a simple pendulum, what is the value of θ after 1.27 s (in degrees)?

so i this is a harmonic motion question. as far as i understand i can use the
formula of location (x=...) but use angles to represent the location and thus get the answer. but somehow i get the wrong answer all the time.
could some one show me how it is done so i can see where i am wrong?

thanks
 

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Hi zhenyazh! :wink:
zhenyazh said:
… so i this is a harmonic motion question. as far as i understand i can use the
formula of location (x=...) but use angles to represent the location and thus get the answer. but somehow i get the wrong answer all the time.
could some one show me how it is done so i can see where i am wrong?

thanks

Show us your full calculations, and then we'll see what went wrong, and we'll know how to help! :smile:
 
ok.
so indiana starts from the farthest point and i want to work in degrees and not meters t to find position.
so i say x=Acos(wt+fi)
where A=19 deg, t=.127 and w=sqrt(g/l) where l is 31 if i understand the question correctly.
the answer i get is wrong.
 
Hi zhenyazh! :smile:

(have an omega: ω and a phi: φ and a square-root: √ :wink:)
zhenyazh said:
ok.
so indiana starts from the farthest point and i want to work in degrees and not meters t to find position.
so i say x=Acos(wt+fi)
where A=19 deg, t=.127 and w=sqrt(g/l) where l is 31 if i understand the question correctly.
the answer i get is wrong.

Isn't t = 1.27 ? And what did you use for φ ?
 
about the time yes you are right, it is a type.
about fi, i used zero since i use cos for my calculation and start from the right amplitude
 
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