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A \(70 \mathrm{~kg}\) firefighter slides, from rest, \(4.3 \mathrm{~m}\) down a vertical pole. (a) If the firefighter holds onto the pole lightly, so that the frictional force of the pole on her is negligible, what is her speed just before reaching the ground floor? (b) If the firefighter grasps the pole more firmly as she slides, so that the average frictional force of the pole on her is \(500 \mathrm{~N}\) upward, what is her speed just before reaching the ground floor?

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) 9.19 m/s; (b) 4.94 m/s.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Problem

For the firefighter sliding down without friction, we need to find the final velocity using the principles of energy conservation. In the second part, with friction involved, we need to calculate the final velocity using net force analysis.
02

Gather Known Values

Mass of firefighter ( m ) = 70 kg, height ( h ) = 4.3 m, gravitational acceleration ( g ) = 9.81 m/s². Frictional force when gripping = 500 N.
03

Calculate Velocity Without Friction

Use the conservation of energy principle. Initial Potential Energy = Final Kinetic Energy.\[ mgh = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \]Cancel mass ( m ) and solve for velocity ( v ):\[ gh = \frac{1}{2}v^2 \]\[ v^2 = 2gh \]\[ v = \sqrt{2gh} = \sqrt{2 \cdot 9.81 \cdot 4.3} \]\[ v \approx 9.19 \text{ m/s} \]
04

Analyze Forces with Friction

When friction is involved, calculate net acceleration first. Use the formula:\[ F_{net} = ma = mg - F_{friction} \]\[ a = \frac{mg - F_{friction}}{m} \]\[ a = \frac{70 \times 9.81 - 500}{70} \]\[ a \approx 2.84 \text{ m/s}^{2} \]
05

Calculate Velocity with Friction

Use kinematic equations for constant acceleration:\[ v^2 = u^2 + 2a \cdot d \]Where initial velocity ( u ) = 0.\[ v^2 = 0 + 2 \times 2.84 \times 4.3 \]\[ v^2 = 24.424 \]\[ v \approx 4.94 \text{ m/s} \]

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Energy Conservation
Energy conservation is a fundamental concept in physics. It asserts that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed from one form to another.
In the firefighter problem, energy conservation helps us understand how the potential energy at the top converts to kinetic energy at the bottom.
  • Potential Energy (PE): The firefighter starts at the top with a certain height, meaning she has gravitational potential energy calculated by the formula: \( PE = mgh \).
  • Kinetic Energy (KE): As she slides down, this potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, which can be expressed as \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \).

The energy conservation principle allows us to set initial potential energy equal to the final kinetic energy for the frictionless case, \( mgh = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \), ultimately allowing us to solve for her speed just before reaching the ground.
Kinematic Equations
Kinematic equations are invaluable tools in physics for solving problems involving motion, especially when considering constant acceleration.
The problem with the firefighter requires an understanding of these equations to determine speed both with and without friction.
  • No Friction: The final velocity of the firefighter can also be computed using the kinematic equation \( v^2 = u^2 + 2ad \), where \( u \) is the initial velocity (zero in this case), \( a \) is acceleration due to gravity, and \( d \) is the distance.
  • With Friction: If friction applies, the acceleration \( a \) changes and is determined by net forces.

These equations help trace the pathways of moving objects by predicting their future positions and velocities, allowing us to comprehensively solve motion problems.
Frictional Force
Frictional force acts opposite to the direction of motion, significantly altering the movement of objects. It's essential to consider friction when analyzing motion on surfaces or interactions, like the firefighter sliding down a pole. When the pole is held lightly, friction is negligible, simplifying calculations.
  • With negligible friction: The firefighter's path is governed solely by the force of gravity.
  • With friction: The force of 500 N works against the gravitational pull, thus reducing her speed. The presence of friction modifies the net force, changing both acceleration and velocity as a consequence.
  • Friction Formula: The net acceleration affected by friction can be calculated by subtracting the frictional force from the gravitational force \( F_{friction} \).

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