Mechanics: Work, Energy and Power
Work, Energy and Power: Audio Guided Solution
Problem 17:
Nicholas is at The Noah's Ark Amusement Park and preparing to ride on The Point of No Return racing slide. At the top of the slide, Nicholas (m=72.6 kg) is 28.5 m above the ground.
a. Determine Nicholas' potential energy at the top of the slide.
b. Determine Nicholas's kinetic energy at the top of the slide.
c. Assuming negligible losses of energy between the top of the slide and his approach to the bottom of the slide (h=0 m), determine Nicholas's total mechanical energy as he arrives at the bottom of the slide.
d. Determine Nicholas' potential energy as he arrives at the bottom of the slide.
e. Determine Nicholas' kinetic energy as he arrives at the bottom of the slide.
f. Determine Nicholas' speed as he arrives at the bottom of the slide.
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
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Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
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Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., vo = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; vf = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.
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Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
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Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
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Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
Read About It!
Get more information on the topic of Work, Energy and Power at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
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