Speed of skiis (someone check my work, please)

In summary: I don't know why the book would show two different answers, though. I checked my work several times and even solved it using energy methods and got the same answer. So unless I'm missing something, the book's answer is incorrect.
  • #1
jrd007
159
0
Law of Conservation of Energy
(2) A ski starts from rest and slides down a 22 degree incline 75 m long.
(a) If the coeffiecent of friction is .090, what is the ski's speed at the base of the incline?
(b) If the snow is level at the foot of the incline and has the same coeffiecent of friction, how far will the ski travel along the level? Use energy methods. correct answer: 2400 m
------------------
My thoughts were to use the equation Wnc = KE + PE

Seeing as there is no potential energy on the way down I now have Wnc = KE

Then I had to find the work acting on the skiis... so...

Work(weight) + Work(friction) = (1/2)mv^2

Weights force would be (sin22 x m x g)
frictions would be (.090 x N) = (.090 x cos22 mg)

I would say the m's cancel out. So then we substitute back into Work(weight) + Work(friction) = (1/2)v^2

((sin22 x g) x 75m x cos0) + ((.090 x cos22 x g) x 75m x cos180) = 1/2v^2

so I get...

275 + (-61) = .5V^2
214/.5 = v^2
sq root of 428 = v
v = 20.6 = 21.0 Answer in Book: 21 m/s

Part B

Would I use a similar equation but instead of the Wnc = KE it would be Worknc = PE
Work nc = mgh ?
 
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  • #2
can someone please help me? my exam is friday... :(
 
  • #3
Can't you just plug in the 21 m/s for an initial velocity somewhere?
 
  • #4
Maybe I could use kinematics?

v2 = vo2 +2a(x-xo) ?

That doesn't work...

I was thinking since it says at the bottom of the incline there would be no potential engery so I could use

PE = KE but that does not work either.

I cannot figure out an equation in which I am trying to find distance
 
  • #5
also tried first finding a so I could use kinematics.

a = V^2/75
21^2/75 = 5.88

Then I used:

v2 = vo2 +2a(x-xo)
0 = 21^2 +2(5.88)(x-75m)
-441 = 11.76(x-75)
-36 = x-75
39... and the correct answer is 2400, what haven't I tried?
 
  • #6
Several ways to attack part B:

Start by finding the friction force.

Energy methods: Work done by friction = change in Energy

Kinematics: Use the force to find the acceleration.
 
  • #7
Finding Friction force would be, as previous stated, (but I do not have a mass, so how can I find the friction force?

How do I find the friction force though?

I do not have a mass...

Friction force = .090 x ?
 
  • #8
would it be friction force = .090 x 9.8 m/s = .882 ?

My problem is writing the questions out...

(.882 N)(75 m) cos0 = 61.65 J

61.65 J = change in energy? What does that mean?

Sorry, Doc Al. I am just getting lost here.
 
  • #9
jrd007 said:
Finding Friction force would be, as previous stated, (but I do not have a mass, so how can I find the friction force?
Just find it in terms of the unknown mass. You'll find that you don't need to know the mass to solve the problem. (Sorry if I wasn't clear before.)
How do I find the friction force though?

I do not have a mass...

Friction force = .090 x ?
Friction will equal [itex]\mu N[/itex]. What's N?
 
  • #10
N = W = mg.

f = [itex]\mu mg[/itex]

So would it just be [itex]\mu g[/itex]
 
  • #11
jrd007 said:
N = W = mg.
f = [itex]\mu mg[/itex]
Exactly right.
So would it just be [itex]\mu g[/itex]
Not sure why you dropped the m.

In any case, now you are ready to solve the problem using energy methods or using kinematics. Do it both ways!

Energy method: You have the friction force and the distance, so what's the work done by friction? (Don't forget that it's negative.) And what's the change in KE? ([itex]{KE}_f - {KE}_i[/itex])

Kinematics: You have the friction force, so what's the acceleration?
 
  • #12
Work by f = change

([itex]\mu mg[/itex])(d)cos(180) = 1/2mv^2? -1/2mv^2

([itex]\mu mg[/itex])(d)cos(180) = -220 - 220 (440)

That still does not work... am I solving for the D?
 
Last edited:
  • #13
With Kinematics: F = ma
(.09 m g) = m (a) ---- m's cancel out
.09 x 9.8 = a
.882 m/s

v2 = vo2 +2a(x-xo)
21^2 = 0 +2(.882) (x-xo)
441/1.764 = (x -xo)
250...

not getting the answer either way. :(
 
  • #14
jrd007 said:
([itex]\mu mg[/itex])(d)cos(180) = 1/2mv^2? -1/2mv^2
This is correct. What's the final KE? You found (in part a) the initial speed the skier has entering the level section. I'd rewrite it like this:
[tex]- \mu m g D = \frac{1}{2}m v_f^2 - \frac{1}{2}m v_i^2[/tex]
 
  • #15
jrd007 said:
With Kinematics: F = ma
(.09 m g) = m (a) ---- m's cancel out
.09 x 9.8 = a
.882 m/s

v2 = vo2 +2a(x-xo)
21^2 = 0 +2(.882) (x-xo)
441/1.764 = (x -xo)
250...
not getting the answer either way. :(
This is correct. (Guess what? The book's answer is wrong!) Now do it using energy methods and verify that you get the same answer: D = 250 m.

(I didn't check the answer to part a; I assume that one's correct.)
 
  • #16
The following code was used to generate this LaTeX image:



[tex]- \mu m g D = \frac{1}{2}m v_f^2 - \frac{1}{2}m v_i^2[/tex]


So I substitute with numbers

-.09 x 9.8 x D = (1/2)(0 cause it will be when skii stops) - (1/2)(21^2)


-.882 x D = -220.5
D = 250 m

And you're saying the book is wrong?
 
  • #17
jrd007 said:
And you're saying the book is wrong?
That's what I'm saying.
 

Related to Speed of skiis (someone check my work, please)

What is the speed of skiis?

The speed of skiis can vary depending on several factors, such as the type and condition of the skiis, the terrain, and the skill level of the skier. However, on average, skiis can reach speeds of 25-30 miles per hour on a straight, flat slope.

What factors affect the speed of skiis?

The speed of skiis can be affected by the type and condition of the skiis, the terrain, the weather conditions, and the skill level of the skier. For example, longer and well-maintained skiis can generally reach higher speeds, while rough or icy terrain can slow down skiis.

How can I increase my skiis' speed?

To increase the speed of your skiis, you can try using longer and well-maintained skiis, choosing a smooth and steep slope, and adjusting your body position to reduce drag. Additionally, improving your technique and skill level can also contribute to faster speeds.

What is the fastest speed ever recorded on skiis?

The current world record for the fastest speed on skiis is held by Simone Origone, who reached a speed of 157.9 miles per hour in 2006. However, this speed was achieved under specific conditions and is not a typical speed for recreational skiers.

Is there a maximum speed that skiis can reach?

The maximum speed that skiis can reach is not clearly defined as it can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. However, it is generally accepted that skiis can reach speeds of 60-70 miles per hour in optimal conditions, but this is not recommended for recreational skiers as it can be dangerous.

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