Calculating Potential Energy Change for a Mountain Climber

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SUMMARY

The change in potential energy for a 95-kg mountain climber ascending to an elevation of 5000 m is calculated using the gravitational potential energy formula, PEg = mgh. The climber's potential energy change is confirmed to be 4,655,000 Joules. This value can be converted to approximately 1,106 calories, indicating that the climber would need to consume an additional 50% of their daily caloric intake of 2000 kilocalories to sustain this energy expenditure.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy (PEg = mgh)
  • Basic knowledge of units of energy (Joules and calories)
  • Familiarity with mass and weight concepts
  • Ability to perform unit conversions
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of energy expenditure in outdoor activities
  • Learn about energy conversion between Joules and calories
  • Investigate the effects of elevation on physical performance
  • Study the principles of work and energy in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, outdoor enthusiasts, nutritionists analyzing energy requirements, and anyone interested in the physics of climbing and energy expenditure.

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Homework Statement


A 95-kg mountain climber hikes up a mountain to an elevation of 5000 m. What is the change in the climber's potential energy?

Homework Equations


I might be missing something but here's everything that might be relevant:
w=fx
p=w/t
p=f*v
KE=1/2mv^2
PEg=mgh
PEe=1/2kx^2
Wnet=E

The Attempt at a Solution


I plugged the numbers into the gravitational potential energy equation and got 4,655,000J. Is this correct? If not, what am I missing?
 
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It is correct. Incidentally, this shows how large (or small) a Joule is.
 
An interesting perspective is to convert this to about 106 calories. At a resting dietary requirement of 2000 kilocalories per day, the walker would need to eat 50% extra.
 

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