Tarzan/vine physics problem on work/energy/power

  • Thread starter brnnpink4
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In summary, Tarzan, with a mass of 85kg, swings across a valley on a vine that is 6m in length. The angle of the vine in his initial position is 15 degrees. To find his speed at the bottom of the swing, you can use the equation KE = 0.5mv^2, and to find the tension of the vine at this point, you can use the example of uniform circular motion and the equation a = v^2/r. By conserving energy and finding the changes in kinetic and potential energy, you can solve for v and determine the tension of the vine.
  • #1
brnnpink4
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Homework Statement



Tarzan swings across a valley on a vine. The vine is 6m in length. Tarzan has a mass of 85kg. The angle that the vine makes with the vertical in his initial position is 15 degrees. What is his speed at the bottom of the wing? What is the tension of the vine at this point?

All help is appreciated!:)

Homework Equations



f=ma
p=mvcosx
PE-mgh
KE=.5mv^3
KE+PE+W=KEf+PEf

The Attempt at a Solution



KE=.5(85)v^2

PE=85(9.8)h
 
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  • #2
Try conserving energy for part one: what energy is gained, and what energy is lost?

For the second part, it's an example of uniform circular motion, and you can make use of this equation:
[itex]a = \frac{v^{2}}{r}[/itex]
 
  • #3
How would you figure out what energy is gained/lost??
 
  • #4
Just think about the situation: he starts from rest, and then starts swinging: that's kinetic energy gained. If energy is gained in the system, then that means that somewhere else energy is lost. That's in the potential energy lost when he loses elevation from where he starts to the bottom of the swing.
 
  • #5
So would you set kinetic energy and potential energy equal to each other and solve for v?
 
  • #6
Essentially, but remember that since the energies are changing, you need to find the changes in each of the energies, i.e. final - initial. Then sum those changes and set the result equal to zero (meaning energy is conserved).
 
  • #7
Ok I think I got it! Thank You!
 

Related to Tarzan/vine physics problem on work/energy/power

1. What is the Tarzan/vine physics problem on work/energy/power?

The Tarzan/vine physics problem on work/energy/power is a classic physics problem that involves calculating the work, energy, and power required for Tarzan to swing from one vine to another in the jungle. It is often used as an example to demonstrate the concepts of work, energy, and power in a real-world scenario.

2. How is work defined in the Tarzan/vine physics problem?

In the Tarzan/vine physics problem, work is defined as the product of the force applied (by Tarzan's weight) and the displacement of the vine in the direction of the force. This can be represented by the equation work = force x displacement.

3. What is the role of energy in the Tarzan/vine physics problem?

In the Tarzan/vine physics problem, energy is the ability to do work. As Tarzan swings from one vine to another, he is using energy to overcome gravity and move through the air. The total energy in the system (Tarzan and the vine) remains constant, but it can be transferred between different forms, such as kinetic energy and potential energy.

4. How is power calculated in the Tarzan/vine physics problem?

Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. In the Tarzan/vine physics problem, power can be calculated by dividing the work done by the time it takes for Tarzan to swing from one vine to another. This can be represented by the equation power = work/time.

5. What are some real-world applications of the Tarzan/vine physics problem?

The Tarzan/vine physics problem is not only a classic example in physics education, but it also has real-world applications. For example, it can be used to calculate the power output of athletes in sports such as long jump or pole vault. It can also be used to design and optimize amusement park rides that involve swinging motions, such as swings or roller coasters.

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