Math Problem Statement

A 79.9 kg skier with an initial speed of 16.7 m/s coasts up a 2.50 m high rise. Find her final speed at the top, given the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.31.

Solution

Let's solve the problem step by step:

We need to find the skier's final speed at the top of the incline. Here's how we'll approach it:

Given:

  • Mass of the skier, m=79.9kgm = 79.9 \, \text{kg}
  • Initial speed, vi=16.7m/sv_i = 16.7 \, \text{m/s}
  • Height of the incline, h=2.50mh = 2.50 \, \text{m}
  • Angle of incline, θ=35\theta = 35^\circ
  • Coefficient of kinetic friction, μk=0.31\mu_k = 0.31
  • Gravitational acceleration, g=9.81m/s2g = 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2

Step 1: Energy Consideration

This problem involves kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, and work done by friction. The initial kinetic energy will be partially converted into potential energy and some energy will be lost due to friction.

Using the work-energy principle:

KEiWf=KEf+PEfKE_i - W_f = KE_f + PE_f

Where:

  • KEi=12mvi2KE_i = \frac{1}{2} m v_i^2 is the initial kinetic energy.
  • WfW_f is the work done by friction.
  • KEf=12mvf2KE_f = \frac{1}{2} m v_f^2 is the final kinetic energy (at the top of the rise, the skier has a speed vfv_f).
  • PEf=mghPE_f = mgh is the potential energy gained by the skier.

Step 2: Work Done by Friction

The friction force fff_f is given by:

ff=μkNf_f = \mu_k N

Where NN is the normal force. On an inclined plane, N=mgcosθN = mg \cos \theta, so:

ff=μkmgcosθf_f = \mu_k mg \cos \theta

The work done by friction WfW_f over the distance dd (along the incline) is:

Wf=ffd=μkmgcosθdW_f = f_f \cdot d = \mu_k mg \cos \theta \cdot d

We can find dd from the height and angle of the incline using trigonometry:

d=hsinθd = \frac{h}{\sin \theta}

Step 3: Substituting and Solving

Now let's substitute all the known values and solve for vfv_f.

1. Initial kinetic energy:

KEi=1279.9(16.7)2=11138.47JKE_i = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 79.9 \cdot (16.7)^2 = 11138.47 \, \text{J}

2. Potential energy at the top:

PEf=79.99.812.5=1957.48JPE_f = 79.9 \cdot 9.81 \cdot 2.5 = 1957.48 \, \text{J}

3. Work done by friction:

First, find the distance dd:

d=2.5sin35=4.357md = \frac{2.5}{\sin 35^\circ} = 4.357 \, \text{m}

Now calculate the friction force:

ff=0.3179.99.81cos35=201.77Nf_f = 0.31 \cdot 79.9 \cdot 9.81 \cdot \cos 35^\circ = 201.77 \, \text{N}

So the work done by friction is:

Wf=201.774.357=878.77JW_f = 201.77 \cdot 4.357 = 878.77 \, \text{J}

4. Final kinetic energy:

Using the energy conservation equation:

11138.47878.77=1279.9vf2+1957.4811138.47 - 878.77 = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 79.9 \cdot v_f^2 + 1957.48

Simplifying:

10259.70=39.95vf2+1957.4810259.70 = 39.95 \cdot v_f^2 + 1957.48

10259.701957.48=39.95vf210259.70 - 1957.48 = 39.95 \cdot v_f^2

8302.22=39.95vf28302.22 = 39.95 \cdot v_f^2

vf2=8302.2239.95=207.84v_f^2 = \frac{8302.22}{39.95} = 207.84

vf=207.8414.42m/sv_f = \sqrt{207.84} \approx 14.42 \, \text{m/s}

Final Answer:

The skier's final speed at the top is approximately 14.42 m/s.

Would you like further details on this solution, or have any questions?

Relative Questions:

  1. How does the angle of the incline affect the skier's final speed?
  2. What happens to the final speed if the coefficient of friction increases?
  3. How would the problem change if there were no friction?
  4. Can you calculate the skier's speed halfway up the incline?
  5. What if the skier had a different mass? How would it affect the final speed?

Tip:

When dealing with inclined planes, always break forces into components parallel and perpendicular to the incline to simplify calculations.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Energy conservation
Work done by friction
Kinetic energy
Potential energy

Formulas

KE_i - W_f = KE_f + PE_f
KE_i = (1/2) m v_i^2
PE_f = mgh
f_f = μ_k N
W_f = f_f * d
d = h / sin(θ)

Theorems

Work-energy theorem
Trigonometry for inclined planes

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Physics