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Ch 07: Potential Energy & Conservation
Chapter 7, Problem 7

Tarzan, in one tree, sights Jane in another tree. He grabs the end of a vine with length 20 m that makes an angle of 45° with the vertical, steps off his tree limb, and swings down and then up to Jane's open arms. When he arrives, his vine makes an angle of 30° with the vertical. Determine whether he gives her a tender embrace or knocks her off her limb by calculating Tarzan's speed just before he reaches Jane. Ignore air resistance and the mass of the vine.

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Identify the initial and final positions of Tarzan in terms of the angles given. Initially, the vine makes a 45° angle with the vertical, and finally, it makes a 30° angle with the vertical.
Calculate the heights (h) from the lowest point of the swing (directly beneath the point of suspension) at these two positions using the cosine of the angles. The formula to use is: h = L - L \cos(\theta), where L is the length of the vine and \theta is the angle with the vertical.
Determine the change in height (\Delta h) between these two positions by subtracting the initial height from the final height.
Apply the principle of conservation of mechanical energy between the initial and final positions. Assume that the potential energy lost is converted entirely into kinetic energy. Use the formula: \Delta KE = \Delta PE, where KE is kinetic energy and PE is potential energy.
Solve for Tarzan's speed (v) at the final position using the kinetic energy formula: KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2, and equate it to the change in potential energy: mgh, where m is Tarzan's mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the change in height. Solve for v to find Tarzan's speed just before he reaches Jane.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Conservation of Energy

The principle of conservation of energy states that in a closed system, the total energy remains constant. In this scenario, Tarzan's potential energy at the highest point of his swing is converted into kinetic energy as he swings down. By calculating the change in height and applying the conservation of energy, we can determine his speed just before reaching Jane.
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Kinematics of Circular Motion

When Tarzan swings on the vine, he follows a circular arc, which involves concepts of circular motion. The tension in the vine and gravitational force act on him, influencing his speed and direction. Understanding the relationship between angular displacement, radius, and tangential speed is crucial for analyzing his motion as he approaches Jane.
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Forces and Acceleration

The net force acting on Tarzan during his swing is the result of gravitational force and the tension in the vine. According to Newton's second law, this net force causes acceleration, which affects his speed. By analyzing the forces at play when Tarzan is at the lowest point of his swing, we can calculate his velocity and determine the impact of his arrival.
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Related Practice
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In one day, a 75-kg mountain climber ascends from the 1500-m level on a vertical cliff to the top at 2400 m. The next day, she descends from the top to the base of the cliff, which is at an elevation of 1350 m. What is her change in gravitational potential energy (a) on the first day?

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