Rock Climbing: Work Done by Gravity & Change in GPE

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a rock climber of mass 92.1 kg ascending a cliff of height 33.8 m and subsequently walking along a plateau. The questions focus on calculating the work done by gravity and the change in gravitational potential energy (GPE).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between gravitational potential energy and work done by gravity, with one participant noting the formula PE=mgy. Others express confusion about applying this concept to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants suggesting that previous similar problems may provide insight. There is an acknowledgment of the need to consider the direction of forces in relation to motion.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions feeling clueless and needing help, indicating a potential lack of understanding of the underlying concepts. There is also a reference to the problem being similar to others previously discussed, which may imply a need for clarification on those prior examples.

jabbie3
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Homework Statement



A rock climber of mass 92.1 kg starts at the base of a cliff and climbs to the top (h = 33.8 m). He then walks along the plateau at the top for a distance of L = 289.9 m.

(a) Find the work done by gravity.
(b) What is the change in the gravitational potential energy of the rock climber.


Homework Equations



Im still learning this stuff and am clueless thus far.

The Attempt at a Solution



This is why i need help..

THANKS!
 
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This problem is very similar to the others you have posted so far. Look at the solutions to those and you should be able to figure out this one.
 
I'm trying. I understand PE=mgy but it just isn't working for me.
 
Consider the fact that that work can have a positive or negative sign, depending on if the force is working in the same or opposite direction of motion.
 

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