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Tarzan ( \( \mathrm{m}=85.0 \mathrm{~kg} \) ) tries to cross a river by swinging from a \( 10.0-\mathrm{m} \)-long vine. His speed at the bottom of the swing (as he just clears the water) is \( 8.00 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s} \). Tarzan doesn't know that the vine has a breaking strength of \( 1000 . \mathrm{N} \).

Ask by Pritchard Schneider. in the United States
Jan 19,2025

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Answer

The tension in the vine is 1378 N, which is greater than the vine's breaking strength of 1000 N. Therefore, the vine will break when Tarzan swings across the river.

Solution

To determine whether Tarzan's vine will break as he swings across the river, we need to calculate the tension in the vine at the bottom of his swing and compare it to the vine's breaking strength. ### Given Data: - **Mass of Tarzan**, \( m = 85.0 \, \text{kg} \) - **Length of the vine**, \( L = 10.0 \, \text{m} \) - **Speed at the bottom of the swing**, \( v = 8.00 \, \text{m/s} \) - **Breaking strength of the vine**, \( T_{\text{max}} = 1000 \, \text{N} \) - **Acceleration due to gravity**, \( g = 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) (standard value) ### Calculating the Tension in the Vine: At the bottom of the swing, the tension (\( T \)) in the vine must provide the necessary centripetal force to keep Tarzan moving in a circular path **and** support his weight. Therefore, the total tension is the sum of the centripetal force and the gravitational force. 1. **Centripetal Force (\( F_c \))**: \[ F_c = \frac{mv^2}{L} \] Plugging in the values: \[ F_c = \frac{85.0 \, \text{kg} \times (8.00 \, \text{m/s})^2}{10.0 \, \text{m}} = \frac{85.0 \times 64}{10} = \frac{5440}{10} = 544 \, \text{N} \] 2. **Gravitational Force (\( F_g \))**: \[ F_g = mg \] Plugging in the values: \[ F_g = 85.0 \, \text{kg} \times 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 = 833.85 \, \text{N} \approx 834 \, \text{N} \] 3. **Total Tension (\( T \))**: \[ T = F_c + F_g = 544 \, \text{N} + 834 \, \text{N} = 1378 \, \text{N} \] ### Comparing Tension to Breaking Strength: - **Calculated Tension**, \( T = 1378 \, \text{N} \) - **Breaking Strength of the Vine**, \( T_{\text{max}} = 1000 \, \text{N} \) Since \( 1378 \, \text{N} > 1000 \, \text{N} \), the tension in the vine **exceeds** its breaking strength. ### **Conclusion:** Tarzan's vine will **break** when he swings across the river, as the tension required to support his motion and weight surpasses the vine's maximum capacity.

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When swinging through the lowest point of his arc, Tarzan experiences centripetal force. This force comes from both his weight and the tension in the vine. To find the tension when he is at the bottom of the swing, you can use the formula \( T = mg + \frac{mv^2}{r} \), where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is gravity (approx. \( 9.81 \, \mathrm{m/s^2} \)), \( v \) is the speed, and \( r \) is the radius (length of the vine). Plugging in the values, \( T = 85 \times 9.81 + \frac{85 \times 8^2}{10} = 833.85 + 544 = 1377.85 \, \mathrm{N} \). Oops! That's more than the vine can take. Looks like Tarzan’s swing is heading for a dramatic splash! Let's talk about swinging action! It's vital to consider the forces acting during the dive. When elements like speed, mass, and gravitational force interact, it often leads to underestimating the tension on the vine. Always think ahead—using gear rated well above the expected stress is a common way to avoid these mistakes. Tarzan could have invested in some ultra-strong climbing gear!

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