Skateboarder Needs Speed for 3m Quarter Pipe

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SUMMARY

A 55kg skateboarder requires a speed of 7.7 m/s at the bottom of a 3.0 m quarter pipe to reach the upper edge. The calculation utilizes the principles of energy conservation, specifically equating potential energy (mgh) and kinetic energy ((mv^2)/2). By simplifying the equation, the skateboarder's required speed can be derived using the formula v = sqrt(2gh), where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²) and h is the height equivalent to the radius of the pipe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potential energy and kinetic energy concepts
  • Familiarity with basic algebra and square root calculations
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.81 m/s²)
  • Basic principles of physics related to motion and energy conservation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of energy conservation equations in physics
  • Learn about the effects of mass and height on potential energy
  • Explore real-world applications of kinetic energy in sports
  • Investigate the impact of friction and air resistance on skateboard performance
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, skateboarders looking to improve their performance, and anyone interested in the application of energy conservation principles in sports dynamics.

yomama
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A 55kg skateboarder wants to make it to the upper edge of a quarter pipe with a radius 3.0 m. What speed do they need at the the bottom?
A.) 7.7 m/s
B.) 9.1 m/s
C.) 5.4 m/s

If you could help me out with the correct formula to use, that would help!
 
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Sorry new to the site... Revised the question on a later post
 


Hello Yomama

This can be done very quickly and effectivelly with the assistance of two energy equations:

Potential energy=mgh
Kinetinc Energy=(mv^2)/2

Equate the two in the following way:

mgh=(mv^2)/2 Note: m cancelles out

gh=(v^2)/2
2gh=v^2
v=sqrt(2gh) where: g=9.81, h=radius of pipe=3

Find v by substituting the value.

Hubert
 

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