Energy - Ski sliding down a ramp

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving energy conservation as a ski slides down an incline. The problem specifies a 28° incline with a length of 65m and a coefficient of friction of 0.090, asking for the ski's speed at the base and the distance traveled on level snow.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using energy relations to solve the problem, questioning the application of potential energy and kinetic energy equations. There is a focus on the role of friction and how it affects energy dissipation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some questioning the assumptions made regarding the angle of the incline and the calculations involving friction. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the relationship between energy and work done by friction, with some guidance offered on calculating work.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted discrepancy in the angle used in calculations, as well as confusion regarding the definition of energy dissipation in relation to friction. Participants are also considering the implications of these factors on their calculations.

Ritzycat
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Homework Statement


A ski starts from rest and slides down a 28 incline 65m long. If the coefficient of friction is 0.090, what is the ski's speed at the base of the incline? If the snow is level at the foot of the incline and has the same coefficient of friction, how far will the ski travel along the level?

Homework Equations


KE = (1/2)mv2
PEg = mgh

Note that I want to solve this problem using energy relations, not kinematics.

The Attempt at a Solution


Taking Point A to be the top of the ramp, point B to be right before the bottom.

PEg = KE + Ediss
mgh = (1/2)mv2 + Ff
mgh = (1/2)mv2 + μFN
mgh = (1/2)mv2 + μmg(sin 30)
gh = (1/2)v2 + μg(sin 30)
(9.8m/s2)(30.5157m) = (1/2)(v2) + (0.090)(9.8m/s2)(sin 30)

v = 24.4 m/s.

That answer was incorrect. I have not yet attempted the second question since I don't have a correct answer for the first one.
 
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Ritzycat said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Taking Point A to be the top of the ramp, point B to be right before the bottom.

PEg = KE + Ediss
mgh = (1/2)mv2 + Ff
mgh = (1/2)mv2 + μFN
mgh = (1/2)mv2 + μmg(sin 30)
gh = (1/2)v2 + μg(sin 30)
(9.8m/s2)(30.5157m) = (1/2)(v2) + (0.090)(9.8m/s2)(sin 30)

v = 24.4 m/s.

That answer was incorrect. I have not yet attempted the second question since I don't have a correct answer for the first one.

First thing, The angle of incline is 28 ,not 30. Secondly work done by friction is not μN.
 
Last edited:
Ritzycat said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Taking Point A to be the top of the ramp, point B to be right before the bottom.

PEg = KE + Ediss
mgh = (1/2)mv2 + Ff

The dissipated energy is not equal to the force of friction.
 
Tanya Sharma said:
First , The angle of incline is 28 ,not 30. Secondly work done by friction is not μFN.

Thanks for the reminder - although when I plugged in the new value, the answer changed very minimally...

ehild said:
The dissipated energy is not equal to the force of friction.

What should I set E diss equal to then??
 
Energy dissipated is equal to the work done by friction . How do you calculate the work done by a force ?
 
Ritzycat said:
Thanks for the reminder - although when I plugged in the new value, the answer changed very minimally...
What should I set E diss equal to then??
Do you think that energy is the same as force?
 
Tanya Sharma said:
Energy dissipated is equal to the work done by friction . How do you calculate the work done by a force ?

Ff * d = W

I think that will yield me the right answer. I would use the length of the incline, since that is the direction Friction was acting in. Then I'll plug it in. I'm right about to go to bed, so I'll do that in the morning.

ehild said:
Do you think that energy is the same as force?

No I forgot to multiply it by Distance....! i get it now Silly Ritzycat
 
Such things do happen :)
 

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