Help Solve Skier Problem Homework

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a skier descending a hill with specific height and length, initial velocity, and weight, while also considering a frictional force acting against the skier's motion. The context is rooted in energy conservation and the work-energy theorem within the subject area of mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial energy calculations and question the clarity of the problem statement, particularly regarding the direction of gravitational force and the units of weight. There is an exploration of how to incorporate the frictional force into the energy considerations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the interpretation of the problem and suggesting to focus on the work done by friction. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the initial conditions, and multiple viewpoints are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the wording of the problem and the implications of the forces involved, particularly the frictional force and its effect on the skier's energy. The original poster expresses urgency due to an upcoming test.

peyton
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Homework Statement


if a skier goes down a hill that is 20m high and 70 m long perpendicular to the height... and she weighs 50kg and her intial veloctiy is 5 m/s. how fast is she going at the bottom if the force of gravity up the hill is 40N??
I just don't get it!
PLease help me


Homework Equations


total energy= kinetic energy + gravitational energy

work = Fd



The Attempt at a Solution


Et= .5x50x(5x5)+ 50 x 9.8 x20
= 10425

and i don't know where to go from here please help me!
i have a test tomorrow and i don't understand
 
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Hi peyton! Welcome to PF! :smile:
peyton said:
Homework Statement [/b]
if a skier goes down a hill that is 20m high and 70 m long perpendicular to the height... and she weighs 50kg and her intial veloctiy is 5 m/s. how fast is she going at the bottom if the force of gravity up the hill is 40N??
I just don't get it!

What a terrible question :frown:

how can gravity be up the hill … doesn't your professor know what "up" means??

and how can anyone have a weight in kg? weight is in Newtons, mass is in kg :rolleyes:

hmm … if her mass is 50kg, the force of gravity down the hill would be about 140 N, not 40 N (it isn't, is it?) …

i've no idea what this question means …

if you have to answer it, I suggest you ignore the 40 N, which is indeed what you've already done …
Et= .5x50x(5x5)+ 50 x 9.8 x20
= 10425

… now what speed does that correspond to? :smile:
total energy= kinetic energy + gravitational energy


"total energy" isn't really a helpful concept (and nobody calls it "Et" :wink:) …

I suggest you say KE + PE = constant, or ∆(KE) = -∆(PE)
 
btw i am Canadian
the 10425J
and it was the force of friction was 40N up hill

i need to find the velocity at the bottom of the hill
 
peyton said:
and it was the force of friction was 40N up hill

D'oh! :rolleyes:

In that case, you need to find the work done by the friction force, and use the work-energy theorem.
btw i am Canadian

ahh! :redface:
 
then what ?
find the difference then use that force to find the velocity at the bottom of the slope
 

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