HELP having trouble finding calories

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the number of food calories expended when a person climbs a height of 10 meters, given their mass of 50 kg. The problem is situated within the context of energy and work, specifically focusing on gravitational potential energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between work, energy, and gravitational potential, with one participant seeking clarification on the appropriate equations to use for the calculation. Others suggest focusing on the concepts of potential energy and the factors involved in the calculation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing hints about the relevant concepts and relationships. There is a recognition of the necessary components for solving the problem, but no explicit consensus or final solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the problem, indicating a potential gap in understanding the application of the concepts discussed. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the given information and its relevance to the calculation.

KatParker35
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HELP! having trouble finding calories

ok, this is probably the easiest thing in the world, but i guess i wasn't paying attention that day in class...ok, i have the mass, and then length a person climbed up a rope, and it wants me to find the number of food calories used to climb 10m up the rope...i have no idea..so ANY help would be appreciated...this is all the info i have m=50kg and L=10m...
 
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Calories is a measure of work or energy. What is the work needed to lift a person up 10 meters? That is, what is his change in gravitational potential? Your answer will be in Joules, but 1 Joule = 0.239 Calories.
 
well thank you for replying so quickly, but is there like an equation or something i can use to find the calories?
 
mezarashi already hinted to you - "gravitational potential"
Find the potential energy gained. This is directly proportional to the mass, distance vertically traveled (height), and force of gravity. Then once you have your answer. Convert it to calories.

KatParker35, when you analyze a problem like this. You must think to yourself - they are telling me vertical distance travelled, then mass of the person. Why are they giving these hints? All you need to do is apply a little thought and then fill in the little gaps.
 
Last edited:
thank you very much! once you said PE it clicked that i had m,g, and h...thanks again!
 

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