Gravitational potential energy?

AI Thread Summary
A skier can possess multiple values of gravitational potential energy simultaneously due to varying reference points. When descending a hill, the skier's potential energy is relative to the bottom, while airborne, the height above the ground contributes a different potential energy value. The concept of gravitational potential energy hinges on the difference between the skier's current position and a chosen reference position. Therefore, at any moment, the skier's potential energy can be calculated based on both their height on the slope and their elevation while airborne. Understanding these varying reference points clarifies how a skier can have more than one value for gravitational potential energy at any given time.
Plasm47
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Explain how a skier can have more than one value for gravitational potential energy at anyone time?

My attempt at an answer.

Consider the position of the skier is relative to the bottom of the hill. Therefore the skier has gravitational potential energy as he/she descends down the hill. At any moment where the skier is airborne (i.e ascending off a jump) he/she now has gravitational potential energy from being above ground.

will not be surprised if this is incorrect.
 
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Plasm47 said:
Explain how a skier can have more than one value for gravitational potential energy at anyone time?
What determines gravitational potential energy? Think of gravitational potential energy of the skier as a potential energy difference between two positions: its present position and some other position.

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
What determines gravitational potential energy? Think of gravitational potential energy of the skier as a potential energy difference between two positions: its present position and some other position.

AM

wouldn't my two first sentences be an example of that? so that would make one value. i guess my last sentence is just an extension to the first value.
 
Plasm47 said:
wouldn't my two first sentences be an example of that? so that would make one value. i guess my last sentence is just an extension to the first value.
Your answer is not incorrect but needs a bit more explanation. That would be an example of having two gravitational potential energies at one particular time (ie. when he/she is airborne). What would those energies be? How would the skier have two potential energies at ANY given time (ie. even when he/she is not airborne) as the question asks?

AM
 

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