Mechanics: Momentum and Collisions
Momentum and Collisions: Audio Guided Solution
Problem Set MC12, Question 6:
Avery is watching cartoons on the Nostalgia channel and a scene from the Tarzan toon reminds him of Physics. He created this problem and wants you to solve it:
The 75.1-kg Tarzan uses a 4.19-m vine to swing from a tree to rescue 53.6-kg Jane whose life is endangered by a poisonous snake. The vine starts horizontal when Tarzan begins his rescue. After rescuing Jane, the two continue swing in a pendulum-like motion. To what maximum height will the two swing before losing all their kinetic energy?
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...
- ...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
- ...identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner, often times recording them on the diagram itself. Then equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., vo = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; vf = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.).
- ...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations be heavily dependent upon an understanding of physics principles.
- ...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
- ...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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