Speed Sliding down a hill (frictionless)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of a child and sled with a combined mass of 53.8 kg sliding down a frictionless hill of height 8.56 m. Two methods are presented for solving this problem: using gravitational force to determine acceleration and applying energy conservation principles. The potential energy at the top of the hill is equal to the kinetic energy at the bottom, allowing for a straightforward calculation of the final speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force and acceleration
  • Familiarity with potential and kinetic energy concepts
  • Knowledge of basic physics formulas for motion
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conservation of energy principle in physics
  • Learn how to calculate gravitational potential energy
  • Explore the equations of motion under constant acceleration
  • Review examples of frictionless motion scenarios
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and energy conservation in a frictionless environment.

Bigdane
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A child and sled with a combined mass of 53.8 kg slide down a frictionless hill that is 8.56 m high. If the sled starts from rest, what is its speed at the bottom of the hill?

m/sim not sure how to calculate speed given the information.
help please?
 
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There are two ways to tackle this problem. One is to work with the force of gravity downward, find the component of that along the hill, and then the acceleration that it causes. Accelerated motion formulas will allow you to work out the final speed after sliding the length of the hill.

The other approach is to say that the potential energy at the top is equal to the kinetic energy at the bottom. Set the two formulas equal, put in numbers and out pops the answer!
 
thanks a bunch!
 

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