A

B C
𝜇 = 0.2
A skier of mass M glides down a smooth frictionless curved slope as shown above. She starts from rest. Between
points B and C she hits slushy snow, which slows her down. We are going to find her speed at points A, B and C

Strategy: Let’s use the law of conservation of energy for finding her speed at points A and B:
𝑬𝑻 = 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 = 𝑲𝑬 + 𝑼𝑮
Which means that anywhere along her path, the combined mechanical energy, is always the same; so if you
calculate the total energy at any one point, that total must be the same at any other point.

Is conservation of energy a valid tool to use here? (Hint – what characteristic must the force have in order to use
this)? The force must be ____________________________!

Important ideas to consider:

1.Where are we going to put a reference frame (coordinate system)? We can put it anywhere, but for now, lets put
it at the bottom of the hill, 62 meters below the skiers starting point.

2. Find the total energy of the skier at her starting point. 𝐸 , = 𝐾𝐸 + 𝑈 = ? + ?

3. Find the total energy of the skier at point A. 𝐸 , = 𝐾𝐸 + 𝑈 = ? + ?

4. Remember 𝐸 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡; this means 𝐸 , = 𝐸 ,

5. Now you can find her speed at A

Now repeat the steps to find the skier’s speed at point B

Finally, we want to find her speed at point C, but this time friction is involved. Friction is not a conservative force.
Can we use use conservation of energy for this part (circle one)? YES NO

So let us look closely at all the equations below:

𝑊 = 𝐹⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑥⃗

𝑊 = ∆𝐾𝐸

𝑓 =𝜇 𝑁
Seems like we could do the following:

1) find the work done on the skier (what is the force acting here)?
2) Since she is upright at point C, her normal force is easily found
3) Use the work we found to find the change in her kinetic energy

Give it a try!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Now we will try the problem to the left. Look closely at the
diagram and the graphs.

We can see how the potential energy changes, but this time it
is the type of potential energy that changes. At the bottom of
the slope, the spring is fully compressed, with maximum
potential energy. At the top, there is no spring potential
energy at all! In fact, the potential energy at the top is now
completely due to gravity. Initially, there is no motion. At the
top of the incline, there is also no motion. The incline is
frictionless.

1. Can we still use conservation of energy? YES NO

2. Why? The forces are ____________________
i. Locate your reference frame. You can put it anywhere,
but for simplicity, put it at the level of the starting point.
ii. Use the information below to
A. Calculate the total energy at the bottom.
B. Calculate the total energy at the top.

Once you complete A and B, you should be able to answer the question below.

The spring shown above has a spring constant, k=140N/m. A 0.5kg block is placed against the spring
compressing it 11 cm as shown. When the block is released how high up the slope does it rise.

Here are some things to remember:

𝟏 𝟐
𝑼𝑬 = 𝒌𝒙 ; 𝑼𝑮 = 𝒎𝒈𝒚; 𝑬𝑻 = 𝑲𝑬 + 𝑼𝑮
𝟐