Maximum Tension in Vine for Tarzan and Jane Pendulum

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a scenario where Jane swings from a vine while Tarzan remains stationary. The objective is to determine the maximum tension in the vine during Jane's swing, given her mass and the length of the vine.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conditions under which maximum tension occurs and the role of torque in the analysis. There are attempts to calculate vertical distance and velocity at the midpoint of the swing, with varying methods suggested.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the vertical distance and the equations involved are being explored. Some participants have provided calculations, while others question the validity of those calculations and seek clarification on the geometric relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with assumptions about the initial conditions and the geometry of the swing. There is mention of discrepancies between calculated values and expected results from a program, indicating potential misunderstandings in the setup or calculations.

estie
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Homework Statement


Tarzan stands on a branch as a leopard threatens. Fortunately, Jane is on a nearby branch of the same height, holding a 25-m long vine attached directly above the point midway between her and Tarzan. She grasps the vine and steps off with negligible velocity.If Jane and Tarzan are initially 8.0 m apart in the figure and Jane's mass is 60 kg, what is the maximum tension in the vine?
http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1034229/5/RW-13-54.jpg

Homework Equations


torque=forceperpendicularxradius
net torque= torquegravity+ torquetension

The Attempt at a Solution


maximum tension occurs at the bottom of the swing.
i think at that moment, torque is zero.
so with the pivot point at the top of the vine, 0=-4T+2mg
where T=force of tension.
i get 297.8 N.
is this correct?
 
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If Jane just hangs on the vine the tension in the nine will be 60*9.8 N. When she swing, the tension must be greater than the above value.
First of all what is the vertical distance Jane's initial position to the point of mid way.
From that you can find Jane's velocity at mid way. That will lead you to find the maximum tension in the vine.
 
thank you.
okay then, i get the vertical distance to be 25-\sqrt{}609.
would i use kinematics to find the velocity midway?
and after i do find velocity, how would that help me find tension?
 
estie said:
.
okay then, i get the vertical distance to be 25-\sqrt{}609.
?
This is wrong.
In h is the vertical displacement of Jane, then using geometry you can write
4*4 = (50 - h)*h
Solve for h.
Using mgh = 1/2*m*v^2, find v^2.
Then maximum tension on the vine = mg + M*V^2/R
 
how did you get the equation for the vertical distance?
nevertheless, i get 2925 N.
however, the program I'm using tells me it's wrong.
 
even when i use geometry i get my original answer for the vert distance.
where did the number 50 come from?
 
If you take a perpendicular bisector of a cord of length L, of a circle of radius R, it passes through center. Then larger section of the diameter is 2R - h and smaller section of the diameter will be h. The relation between them is (2R-h)*h = (L/2)^2. In the above problem 2R = 50 and L/2 = 4.
 
thank you.
i get 2925 N.
however, the program I'm using tells me it's wrong.
 
I am getting 603.3N. Is it correct?
 
  • #10
yes it is.
thank you!
 
  • #11
Have you solved it your self? Did you find where you had done mistakes?
 

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