Gravitational potential energy?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational potential energy, particularly in the context of a skier's varying positions on a slope and in the air. Participants are exploring how a skier can possess multiple values of gravitational potential energy simultaneously based on their relative positions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to define gravitational potential energy in relation to different positions of the skier, questioning how energy values can change based on the skier's location relative to the ground and other reference points.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and seeking further clarification on the concept. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of potential energy differences, but there is no explicit consensus on the number of potential energy values a skier can have at a given time.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the definitions and assumptions related to gravitational potential energy, particularly in how it applies to different scenarios involving the skier's motion.

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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