Question

A squirrel (m = 340 g) hangs on motionlessly from the end of a vertical piece of string (negligible mass) that is connected above to a tree branch. with one paw, she throws a pinecone (m = 130 g) horizontally with a speed of v = 90 cm/s. as a result, she starts moving in the oppo- site direction of the pinecone and then swings in a circular path while still holding onto the string. what is the largest height h that the squirrel reaches above her initial position

Answer 1

The question is related to the conservation of momentum and energy conservation, where a squirrel's movement after throwing a pinecone is analyzed. The increase in height achieved by the squirrel is determined by the transfer of kinetic energy to potential energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves a scenario in which a squirrel is involved in a physical interaction that relates to conservation of momentum and energy conservation, typically studied in high school physics. When the squirrel throws the pinecone, due to conservation of momentum, the squirrel will start to move in the opposite direction. As the squirrel swings up, her kinetic energy will be converted into potential energy until the squirrel comes to a temporary stop, and the increase in height can be found by analyzing the energy transition.