Velocity and Distance while skiing

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    Skiing Velocity
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SUMMARY

The physics problem presented involves calculating the horizontal distance traveled by Ellen while skiing after she leaves an icy bump at a velocity of 12.0 m/s and falls a vertical distance of 7.00 m. To solve this, one must first determine the time it takes to fall 7.00 m using the equation y = -0.5 * g * t^2, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²). Once the time of fall is calculated, it can be multiplied by the horizontal velocity to find the total horizontal distance traveled.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically projectile motion.
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion, particularly y = -0.5 * g * t^2.
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.81 m/s²).
  • Ability to perform basic algebraic calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the time taken to fall 7.00 m using the equation y = -0.5 * g * t^2.
  • Determine the horizontal distance traveled using the formula distance = velocity * time.
  • Explore additional projectile motion problems to reinforce understanding.
  • Review concepts related to forces acting on objects in motion.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching projectile motion, and anyone interested in applying physics concepts to real-world scenarios like skiing dynamics.

Rick A. Joseph
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I've encountered this one physics problem that I can't quit figure out:

"While skiing, Ellen encounters an unexpected icy bump, which she leaves horizontally at 12.0 m/s. How far out, horizontally, from her starting point will Ellen land if she drops a distance of 7.00 m in the fall?"

Can somebody please help me out!
 
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You need to find how long it will take to fall 7m. Use that time and the given horizontal velocity to find how far forward the skier travels.
 
What have you done so far on the problem?

This is how far she falls: [itex]y = - \frac {1}{2} g t^2[/itex]

Find out how long it takes her to fall 7m. You should then be able to find out how far she moves horizontally.
 

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