Ski Slope using Energy Conservation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a skier descending a frictionless slope and launching off a ramp, with the goal of determining the horizontal distance of her touchdown point. The context is centered around energy conservation principles in a physics scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply energy conservation to find kinetic energy at the end of the ramp but expresses uncertainty about calculating potential energy without knowing the skier's mass. Some participants suggest that mass can be treated as a variable that cancels out in the equations. Another participant questions how the launch angle is determined.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Guidance has been offered regarding the treatment of mass in the equations, and questions about the launch angle indicate that multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes the presence of multiple unknowns, which complicates the initial setup of the problem. The discussion also hints at the need for clarity on how certain parameters, like the launch angle, are defined within the context of the problem.

merzperson
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Homework Statement



It's been a great day of new, frictionless snow. Julie starts at the top of the 60 degree slope shown in the figure . At the bottom, a circular arc carries her through a 90 turn, and she then launches off a 3.0--high ramp. How far horizontally is her touchdown point from the end of the ramp?

10.P49.jpg


Homework Equations



Ug = mgh
K = 0.5mv2
Kinematics equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I know I need to use energy conservation to find the kinetic energy at the end of the ramp so I can find the velocity of the skier then, but I do not know how I can find Ug at the top of the ramp without knowing the skier's mass (too many unknowns). Once I know the initial Ug or Kmax I know how to solve the problem, but I'm having trouble getting there.
 
Last edited:
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Never mind the mass, it will cancel. Just use m for the mass or any number you like.

ehild
 
Thanks ehild, got it.
 
Just wondering how the launch angle is determined in this question?
 

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