Height of Hill with Potential and Kinetic Energy

In summary, a child and sled with a combined mass of 50.0 kg slide down a frictionless hill with a speed of 12.0 m/s at the bottom. By using the conservation of energy equation and calculating the kinetic and potential energy at the top and bottom of the hill, it was determined that the height of the hill is 7.35 meters. The potential energy at the bottom of the hill is defined as zero for calculation purposes.
  • #1
Dirst
4
0

Homework Statement


A child and sled with a combined mass of 50.0 kg slide down a frictionless hill. If the sled starts from rest and has a speed of 12.0 m/s at the bottom, what is the height of the hill?


Homework Equations


KE = 1/2 m v^2
PE = mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


KE = 1/2 (50.0) (12.0^2)
KE = 3600 N

No idea what to do. :(
 
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  • #2
How much potential/kinetic energy do you have at the top of the hill?

How much potential/kinetic energy do you have at the bottom of the hill?

Remember, energy is conserved.

Kt + Pt = Kb + Pb
 
  • #3
Well at the top:

KE = 1/2*(50.0)*(0)
KE = 0 N

PE = (50.0)*(9.8)*H <-- Need to find this... So I guess I can't do PE.

Bottom:

KE = 1/2*(50.0)*(12.0^2)
KE = 3600 N

Again, you can't do PE because you don't know H...
 
  • #4
You were able to find the correct kinetic energy at the bottom and top of the hill. (It's in Joules, not Newtons). Energy is conserved throughout the intial and final states.

mgh + 0 = 3600J + 0,

Solve h.
 
  • #5
According to that,

H = 3600 J / ((9.8 m/s^2)*(50.0 kg))
H = 7.35 m

Is Pb = 0 because the height would equal 0 m?
 
  • #6
This is right, it is just defined as a zero point for calculation purposes. The real zero would be at the Earth's center of course.
 
  • #7
Thank you both. On to my next problem... :(
 

Related to Height of Hill with Potential and Kinetic Energy

1. How does the height of a hill affect its potential and kinetic energy?

The height of a hill has a direct impact on its potential and kinetic energy. As the height of a hill increases, so does its potential energy, which is the energy an object possesses due to its position or configuration. This is because the higher the hill, the more gravitational potential energy it has. On the other hand, the kinetic energy of an object on the hill will also increase as it gains speed while rolling down the hill due to the force of gravity. Therefore, the higher the hill, the more potential and kinetic energy it possesses.

2. How do potential and kinetic energy change as an object rolls down a hill?

As an object rolls down a hill, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. This is because the object is losing its stored potential energy as it moves closer to the ground, and this energy is being converted into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. The change in potential and kinetic energy as the object moves down the hill can be calculated using the equations for potential and kinetic energy.

3. How does the mass of an object affect its potential and kinetic energy on a hill?

The mass of an object does not directly affect its potential and kinetic energy on a hill. However, the mass of an object does affect its potential and kinetic energy indirectly by influencing its speed and acceleration. A heavier object will have more inertia and thus requires more potential energy to move up the hill. On the other hand, a heavier object will also have more kinetic energy when rolling down the hill due to its increased speed and momentum.

4. Can the height of a hill affect the amount of potential and kinetic energy of an object on the hill?

Yes, the height of a hill can directly affect the amount of potential and kinetic energy of an object on the hill. As mentioned earlier, the height of a hill is directly related to its potential energy, and a higher hill will have more potential energy than a lower hill. Additionally, the height of a hill also affects the speed and acceleration of an object on the hill, which in turn affects its kinetic energy.

5. How does friction play a role in the potential and kinetic energy of an object on a hill?

Friction plays a significant role in the potential and kinetic energy of an object on a hill. Friction is a force that acts in the opposite direction of an object's motion, and it can cause a loss of energy as the object moves down the hill. This loss of energy is known as mechanical energy and can decrease both the potential and kinetic energy of the object. Therefore, the amount of friction present on a hill can affect the potential and kinetic energy of an object on that hill.

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