Calculating Potential Energy Change for a Mountain Climber

AI Thread Summary
The change in potential energy for a 95-kg mountain climber ascending to an elevation of 5000 m is calculated using the formula PEg = mgh, resulting in 4,655,000 Joules. This value is confirmed as correct by participants in the discussion. The significance of this energy amount is highlighted by converting it to approximately 1,060 calories, illustrating the climber's energy expenditure. Additionally, it is noted that to maintain energy balance, the climber would need to consume about 50% more than the average daily caloric intake. Understanding potential energy in this context emphasizes the physical demands of mountain climbing.
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Homework Statement


A 95-kg mountain climber hikes up a mountain to an elevation of 5000 m. What is the change in the climber's potential energy?

Homework Equations


I might be missing something but here's everything that might be relevant:
w=fx
p=w/t
p=f*v
KE=1/2mv^2
PEg=mgh
PEe=1/2kx^2
Wnet=E

The Attempt at a Solution


I plugged the numbers into the gravitational potential energy equation and got 4,655,000J. Is this correct? If not, what am I missing?
 
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It is correct. Incidentally, this shows how large (or small) a Joule is.
 
An interesting perspective is to convert this to about 106 calories. At a resting dietary requirement of 2000 kilocalories per day, the walker would need to eat 50% extra.
 

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