A 50.0 kg skier is at the top of a slope. At the initial point at the top is 25.

Question

1. A 50.0 kg skier is at the top of a slope. At the initial point at the top is 25.0 m vertically above point at the bottom. (a) Setting the zero level of gravitational potential energy at the bottom, find the gravitational potential energy of this system when the skier is at the top, and then at the bottom. Finally, find the change in Potential energy of the skier-Earth system as the skier goes from top to bottom. (b) Repeat the same problem with zero level at the top, (c) Repeat again, with zero level 3.0 m higher than the bottom. Hint: Top is point A on the hill as the skier goes down, Bottom is point B as the skier reaches the ground, it

Explanation / Answer

Part A)
PE = mgh

PE = (50)(9.8)(25)

PE = 12250 J at the top

PE = (50)(9.8)(0) = 0

PE = 0 J at the bottom

Change in PE = 0 - 12250 = -12250 J

Part B)

PE = mgh

PE = (50)(9.8)(0) = 0

PE = 0 J at the top

PE = (50)(9.8)(-25) = -12250

PE = -12250 J at the bottom

Change in PE = -12250 - 0 = -12250 J

Part C)
PE = mgh = (50)(9.8)(22) = 10780 J

PE = 10780 J at the top

PE = mgh = (50)(9.8)(-3) = -1470 J

PE = -1470 J at the bottom

Change in PE = -1470 - 10780 = -12250 J

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