Simple harmonic motion rope swing problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving simple harmonic motion as Jane attempts to swing across a river on a rope. The problem includes parameters such as mass, wind force, horizontal distance, rope length, and angles, leading to questions about the minimum speed required for both crossing and returning.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore energy conservation principles, considering potential and kinetic energy in the context of swinging motion. Questions arise regarding the implications of negative velocity and the effects of wind on the swing's dynamics.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering insights into the effects of wind on Jane's swing and questioning the interpretation of negative values in their calculations. There is an exploration of different scenarios regarding initial and final velocities.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about energy contributions from wind and the setup of the problem, including the roles of height and velocity in the energy equations. There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the direction of motion and the implications of negative results in their calculations.

Ertosthnes
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Jane wants to swing on a rope across a river. What minimum speed does she need to make it across, and once she's across, what minimum speed does she need to make it back?

Here's what's given:
mass = 47 kg
horizontal wind - call it F - (opposite to her swing) = 120 N
horizontal distance (D) = 50 m
rope length (L) = 40 m
theta = 50 degrees

p5-73.gif

(hopefully you can see the image)

Here's how I started:

D = Lsin(theta) + Lsin(phi)

Plug in the values, and phi = 28.9 degrees

Then, Change in height = Lcos(phi) - Lcos(theta)
Plug in the values, change in height = 9.3 m

From there:

PE(o) + KE(o) + wind = PE(f) + KE(f)

mgh(0) + (1/2)mv(0)^2 - F(w)*D = mgh(f) + (1/2)mv(f)^2

and v(0) = 8.55 m/s

I got that part right. But, now how do I find the minimum velocity to go back? I tried switching the h(0) and h(f) in that last equation to go back, but it didn't work. What's wrong?
 
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Have you considered that she is now swinging with the wind?
 
Yes, I did. Here's what happens:

mgh(0) + (1/2)mv(0)^2 + F(w)*D = mgh(f) + (1/2)mv(f)^2

46(9.8)(-9.3) + (1/2)(47)v(o)^2 + 120(50) = 0

and v(o)^2 = -76.92

But the fact that it's negative makes me think that it's wrong. Can I still take the square root of it?

Edit: Apparently I can. I just tried it again and got it right.
 
Last edited:
But if you got a negative velocity, it means that the wind provides enough energy to Jane to reach that point, so that she doesn't need any initial velocity.
 
That's weird. Are you sure the negative doesn't just mean that Jane is swinging in the opposite direction? Is there something I should have done to make the velocity squared positive?
 

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