Work done by a person climbing stairs

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SUMMARY

The work done by a 52.98 kg person climbing a set of stairs 0.20 m high in 2.96 seconds can be calculated using the formula w = F • d. The gravitational force (Fg) acting on the person is determined by multiplying the mass (52.98 kg) by the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²), resulting in a force of approximately 519.5 N. The work done against gravity is thus 103.9 Joules, and the power required to achieve this work in the given time is approximately 35.1 Watts.

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Homework Statement


Calculate the work done by a 52.98 kg person, who climbs a set of 0.20 m tall stairs (starting from rest) in 2.96s.
Calculate the power required to achieve this.


Homework Equations


w=F•d

The Attempt at a Solution


My issue with this question has been identifying the force which is acting in the situation. I know that Fg applies (mass • 9.81 m/s) and that there must be an applied force of some sort because the person is moving (working against gravity, I suppose?), but I am not sure which information I should use to calculate the "F" variable in the w=F•d equation. I think they want the power in watts (Joules per second).
 
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Hi Sen.Lemonsnout! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Assume that he climbs at a constant speed …

then the net force is zero, so the force he uses is … ? :wink:​
 
Thanks- I was definitely overthinking things!
 

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