Work-Energy: Determining x- and y-components of wind force

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the x- and y-components of wind force affecting a skier's motion. Key equations related to constant acceleration, energy conservation, and forces are presented, with attempts to solve for wind force components and skier acceleration. The calculations for horizontal and vertical motion yield specific values for wind forces, but participants note discrepancies in total force calculations and the need to ignore certain components of wind force. Clarifications on the correct approach to summing forces and coordinate conversions are also provided, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between conservative and nonconservative forces. The conversation concludes with a consensus on the validity of the calculations and the need for careful consideration of forces acting on the skier.
annas425
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



2m34fq0.png


Homework Equations


Constant acceleration equations: Δx = v,xi *t + 0.5*(a,x)*t^2
Δy = v,yi *t + 0.5*(a,y)*t^2
K = 0.5*m*v^2
U = mgh
W,nonconservative forces = ∫ ∑ F dx
Conservation of Energy: K1 + U1 = K2 + U2
∑F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution

(Note that in my notation, I denoted a subscript with a comma preceding it)
F,w = wind force
F,wx and F,wy are constant
∑F,x = -F,wx = m*a,x
∑F,x = -F,wx - mg = m*a,y

Δx = v,xi *t + 0.5*(a,x)*t^2 --> x,f = d1*cos(θ)
v,xi = v,a *cos(θ,1) = 27.8 m/s = 83.6*v,xi

Solve for a,x --> a,x = -0.199 m/s^2
-F,wx = m*a,x (Solve for F,wx)

Δy = v,yi *t + 0.5*(a,y)*t^2 (Solve for y,f)

Now I am stuck! Any help would be greatly appreciated…thank you in advance! :)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Δy = v,yi *t + 0.5*(a,y)*t^2 (Solve for y,f)
You know everything apart from ay, where is the problem?

To write subscripts, you can use [noparse]ay[/noparse] -> ay. Alternatively, you can use LaTeX.
 
Is this work correct?? Thank you in advance!

x=97.9cos(32)=83.02 m
y=97.9sin(32)=51.88 m
Also resolve Va into its x and y components:
Vx=28cos(7)=27.79 m/s
Vy=28sin(7)=3.412 m/s

Motion in x direction
Let Ax be acceleration in x direction
x=(1/2)(Ax)(t)^2 + (Vx)(t)
83.02=(1/2)Ax(3.02)^2 + (27.79)(3.02)
-.906=(1/2)Ax(3.02)^2
-.20=Ax
F=ma
Wind force in x direction = 80(-.20) = -16 Newtons

Motion in y direction
Let Ay be acceleration in y direction (positive Ay is acceleration down)
y=(1/2)(Ay)(t)^2 + (Vy)(t)
51.88=(1/2)Ay(3.02)^2 + 3.412(3.02)
41.58=(1/2)Ay(3.02)^2
9.12=Ay
Acceleration due to gravity is 9.8
9.8-9.12 = .68 (acceleration up)
Wind force in y direction = 80(.68) = 54 Newtons (blowing up)

(Energy the skier has when he lands)
Vfx will be his landing velocity in the x direction.
Vfy will be his landing velocity in the y direction.

Vfx = (Ax)(t) + Vx = (-.2)(3.02) + 27.79 = 27.2 m/s
Vfy = (Ay)(t) + Vy = (9.12)(3.02) + 3.412 = 31.0 m/s

K = kinetic energy when landing = (1/2)mv^2 = (1/2)(80)(27.2^2+31.0^2)
K = 68,000 J

N = Normal force when landing due to skiers mass = mgcos(32)
f = friction force = (2.5)(80)(9.8)cos(32) = 1660 Newtons

Force due to horizontal component of wind = 16cos(32) = 14 Newtons
Force due to vertical component of wind = 54sin(32) = 29 Newtons

Total force on skier = 1660+14+29 = 1700 Newtons

(Work-energy theorem)
Fz = K + (mgz)sin(32) (The last term is because the skier will continue to acquire energy from the force of gravity as he descends down the slope)
1700*(d2) = 68000 + (80)*(9.8)*(d2)*sin(32)
1700*(d2) = 68000 + 415*(d2)
1285*(d2) = 68000
d2 = 53 meters
 
I think you are supposed to ignore the wind between B and C (otherwise you would get a different normal force, too).

Total force on skier = 1660+14+29 = 1700 Newtons
The numbers don't fit, and you cannot add horizontal and vertical forces like that.

There are a lot of units missing. I did not check the numbers (that's something a computer can do), but the approach is good.
 
mfb said:
I think you are supposed to ignore the wind between B and C (otherwise you would get a different normal force, too).

The numbers don't fit, and you cannot add horizontal and vertical forces like that.

There are a lot of units missing. I did not check the numbers (that's something a computer can do), but the approach is good.

The numbers are good, I just checked them! Looking at the prompt again, it says to ignore the b component of the wind force (the component perpendicular to the ramp). So would the sum of the nonconservative forces be (Fw)a + f (the a component of the wind force and the friction force)? (Essentially, the sum of the forces in the a direction--the direction parallel to the ramp)?
 
Also, is this a correct conversion from x-y to a-b coordinates, given the two relative coordinate systems?

169npg2.jpg
 
annas425 said:
The numbers are good, I just checked them! Looking at the prompt again, it says to ignore the b component of the wind force (the component perpendicular to the ramp).
Ah, right.
So would the sum of the nonconservative forces be (Fw)a + f (the a component of the wind force and the friction force)? (Essentially, the sum of the forces in the a direction--the direction parallel to the ramp)?
All your forces are conservative here.
Wind just adds another force to consider, noting magical.

The conversion looks fine.
 
Back
Top