Mechanics: Work and Energy

Work, Energy and Power Problem Sets || Equation Overview

Work and Energy: Audio Guided Solution

Problem Set WE16, Question 6:

Suzie Lavtaski is moving with a kinetic energy of 6376 Joules and a potential energy of 10752 Joules (relative to the bottom of the ski slope). If Suzie has a kinetic energy of 22752 Joules at the bottom of the slope, then what quantity of mechanical energy (in Joules) did she gain through the use of her poles? Neglect the effect of resistive forces.

Audio Guided Solution

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Use the equation below to solve this problem. Cancel terms, substitute and solve.

KE_i + PE_i + W_nc = KE_f + PE_f

Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

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.
Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., v_o = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; v_f = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.
Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity

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