Calculating Work and Energy in a Skier Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter triplel777
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the work done by kinetic friction on a skier coasting up a hill. The skier's initial and final speeds, along with the hill's angle, are provided, leading to calculations of kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE). The work done by friction is derived from the difference between the initial and final kinetic energy and the potential energy gained. A formula for non-conservative work (Wnc) is suggested, emphasizing the relationship between changes in kinetic and potential energy. The calculations indicate a work done by friction of approximately 486.9 Joules, with some discrepancies noted in potential energy calculations.
triplel777
Messages
35
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 65-kg skier coasts up a snow-covered hill that makes an angle of 25° with the horizontal. The initial speed of the skier is 6.4 m/s. After coasting 1.9 m up the slope, the skier has a speed of is 3.2 m/s.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Work done if force F applied over a distance d.
W= Fd
Also
Ke= 0.5mV^2
Difference in Kinetic energy dKe
dKe=Ke1 - Ke2
dKe= 0.5m(V1^2 - V2^2)
dKe= W

a) W=dKe= 0.5m(V1^2 - V2^2)
W= 0.5x65(6.4^2 - 3.2^2)
W= 998.4 Joules

P=mgh
Pe= 65 x 9.81 x 1.9 sin(25)= 511.5 J

Wf= W- Pe= 998.4 - 511.5 = 486.9 J

what am i doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi triplel777! :smile:
triplel777 said:
A 65-kg skier coasts up a snow-covered hill that makes an angle of 25° with the horizontal. The initial speed of the skier is 6.4 m/s. After coasting 1.9 m up the slope, the skier has a speed of is 3.2 m/s.

I'm confused :confused:

what's the question? :wink:
 
(a) Find the work done by the kinetic frictional force that acts on the skis.

(b) What is the magnitude of the kinetic frictional force?
 
Hi triplel77! :smile:

(try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box; and we usually write KE and PE with capitals, and joules without :wink:)
triplel777 said:
A 65-kg skier coasts up a snow-covered hill that makes an angle of 25° with the horizontal. The initial speed of the skier is 6.4 m/s. After coasting 1.9 m up the slope, the skier has a speed of is 3.2 m/s.

a) W=dKe= 0.5m(V1^2 - V2^2)
W= 0.5x65(6.4^2 - 3.2^2)
W= 998.4 Joules

P=mgh
Pe= 65 x 9.81 x 1.9 sin(25)= 511.5 J

Wf= W- Pe= 998.4 - 511.5 = 486.9 J

what am i doing wrong?

Apart from making PE = 512.0 J, I get the same work done by friction as you do. :redface:
 
huh... ok thanks
 
my teacher said to use this formula
Wnc= delta KE+ delta PE
would this make any difference?
 
delta PE is just your change in gravitational potential energy, delta KE is your change in kinetic energy. Does this formula seem different than the one you used?
 
Back
Top