Find the final speed of a skier if he lands 145m down a 20 degree slope?

In summary, a skier starting with an initial speed of 4.00 m/s at a height of 4212m above the ground, travels down a ski jump ramp that is 120m higher than the end of the ramp. The ramp has no friction but air resistance causes a 50% loss in the final kinetic energy. The skier lands 145m down the 20 degree slope with a GPS reading of 4039m. Using the equations U(x)=mgy and KE = (1/2)mvf^2 - (1/2)mvi(2) and the given information, the final speed of the skier can be calculated.
  • #1
woopycushion
2
0

Homework Statement


A skier leaves the starting gate at the top of a ski jump with an initial speed of 4.00 m/s. The starting position is 120m higher than the end of the ramp, which is 3.00m above the snow. Find the final speed of the skier if he lands 145m down the 20 degree slope. Assume there is no friction on the ramp, but air resistance causes a 50% loss in the final kinetic energy. The GPS reading of the elevation of the skier is 4212m at the top of the jump and 4039m at the landing point.


Homework Equations



U(x)=mgy
KE = (1/2)mvf^2 - (1/2)mvi(2)
vi = 4.00 m/s

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That's a good start - a sketch of what happens will also help you.
If you make an attempt at the solution I will be in a position to help you ;)
 

What is the formula for finding the final speed of a skier?

The formula for finding the final speed of a skier is:
v = √(2ghsinθ)
Where:
v = final speed (m/s)
g = acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²)
h = height of the slope (in meters)
θ = angle of the slope (in degrees)

How do I determine the acceleration due to gravity?

The acceleration due to gravity (g) is a constant value of 9.8 m/s². This means that for every second an object falls, its velocity increases by 9.8 meters per second. This value can also be rounded to 10 m/s² for simpler calculations.

What is the significance of the slope's angle in determining the final speed of the skier?

The slope's angle (θ) is an important factor in determining the final speed of the skier because it affects the component of gravity that acts on the skier as they slide down the slope. The steeper the slope, the greater the component of gravity that acts on the skier, resulting in a higher final speed.

How do I convert degrees to radians for the final speed formula?

To convert degrees to radians, you can use the formula:
radians = (π/180) * degrees
For example, if the slope's angle is 20 degrees, the equivalent in radians would be (π/180) * 20 = 0.349 radians.

Can the final speed of the skier be affected by external factors?

Yes, the final speed of the skier can be affected by external factors such as air resistance, friction, and the skier's body position. These factors can either increase or decrease the skier's final speed, and may need to be taken into consideration for more accurate calculations.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
878
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
933
Replies
39
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
984
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top