What is the skier's launch speed?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two physics problems related to projectile motion and kinematics. The first problem involves a skier launching off a ramp at an angle, while the second concerns the velocity of water at Niagara Falls just before it cascades over the edge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equations of motion relevant to the problems, with one suggesting a modeling approach rather than memorizing formulas. Questions arise regarding the use of angles and the separation of velocity components in the first problem.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problems. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider both horizontal and vertical components of velocity, particularly in the first problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about which equations to use, indicating a potential lack of familiarity with the concepts involved. There is also a suggestion to model problems rather than rely solely on memorized formulas.

hyen84
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Please Help...

Can Someone please help me with these 2 physics question..i don't know what equation to use ...can someone please tell me what equation to use..thanks a lot..appreciate it.

1.The 1994 Winter Olympics included the aerials competition in skiing. In this event skiers speed down a ramp that slopes sharply upward at the end. The sharp upward slope launches them into the air, where they perform acrobatic maneuvers. In the women's competition, the end of a typical launch ramp is directed 63 degrees above the horizontal. With this launch angle, a skier attains a height of 12.0 m above the end of the ramp. What is the skier's launch speed?

2. Suppose the water at the top of Niagara Falls has a horizontal speed of 4.88 m/s just before it cascades over the edge of the falls. At what vertical distance below the edge does the velocity vector of the water point downward at a 52.3 degrees angle below the horizontal?
 
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1. [tex]\Delta (v^2) = 2ad[/tex]

2. As #1, but also requires, [tex]\tan \theta = \frac{v_y}{v_x}[/tex].

Honestly, I suggest not memorizing a bunch of formulas to do problems like this. It's really easier to just model each problem, because then you do every single problem the same exact way, regardless of what it's asking. All that changes is the value that you read off your model at the end.

cookiemonster
 
Originally posted by cookiemonster
1. [tex]\Delta (v^2) = 2ad[/tex]

2. As #1, but also requires, [tex]\tan \theta = \frac{v_y}{v_x}[/tex].

Honestly, I suggest not memorizing a bunch of formulas to do problems like this. It's really easier to just model each problem, because then you do every single problem the same exact way, regardless of what it's asking. All that changes is the value that you read off your model at the end.

cookiemonster

hey thanks a lot..so the number 1 i just use that euqation to find the speed..so i don't need the 63 degree or anything like that..and for number 2..i use the same equation as #1 to find D right...but before i do that i need to find Vy right and that's using the tangent equation right??
 
For #1, close. Remember that some of the initial velocity of the jump is going to be in the horizontal direction, so the vertical velocity will be less than the total velocity. Use a trig identity to separate out the vertical velocity.

For #2, yes.

cookiemonster
 

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