How Is Total Energy Calculated for Climbers in a Physics Problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating total energy for climbers in a physics problem, specifically focusing on gravitational potential energy and work done during an ascent.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about whether to combine the masses of the climbers and their loads, and seek clarification on what is meant by total work versus work against gravity. There are questions about calculating gravitational potential energy for each climber and the implications of the change in potential energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and seeking clarification on specific terms and calculations related to energy and work.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding the masses involved and the specific calculations required for each part of the problem, as well as the definitions of total work and gravitational potential energy.

reminiscent
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Homework Statement


Og3ykop.png


Homework Equations


ΔU = Uf - Ui
ΔW=-ΔU

The Attempt at a Solution


I am unsure if the question combines both climbers' masses or they each have a mass of 75 kg + the 20 kg they are holding. In a), are they asking for the total work of each climber? Or just the gravitational potential energy? For b), do you also just find the gravitational PE at each camp stop?
 
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reminiscent said:

Homework Statement

Homework Equations


ΔU = Uf - Ui
ΔW=-ΔU

The Attempt at a Solution


I am unsure if the question combines both climbers' masses or they each have a mass of 75 kg + the 20 kg they are holding. In a), are they asking for the total work of each climber? Or just the gravitational potential energy? For b), do you also just find the gravitational PE at each camp stop?
I would assume each has a mass of 75 kg. The problem asks about how much energy (work) they each must do for the ascent (part a) or portions of the ascent (part b). What do you mean by total work as opposed to work done against gravity?
 
PhanthomJay said:
I would assume each has a mass of 75 kg. The problem asks about how much energy (work) they each must do for the ascent (part a) or portions of the ascent (part b). What do you mean by total work as opposed to work done against gravity?
So for part a), are you calculating gravitational PE for each climber?
 
reminiscent said:
So for part a), are you calculating gravitational PE for each climber?
Yes, the change in PE from beginning to end. What does that change represent?
 
PhanthomJay said:
Yes, the change in PE from beginning to end. What does that change represent?
How much energy they must spend in order to climb correctly.
 
reminiscent said:
How much energy they must spend in order to climb correctly.
Ok
 

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