A 70kg bicyclist, initially at rest at the top of a hill, coasts down the hill. During her ride she experiences a 40N drag. The distance and height of the hill are shown. What’s the loss
To calculate the loss in potential energy of the bicyclist, we need to first determine the height of the hill. The height can be calculated using the equation:
Potential Energy = mass * gravitational acceleration * height
Potential Energy = 70kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * height
Given that the potential energy at the top of the hill is zero (as the cyclist is initially at rest), we can set the initial potential energy to zero:
0 = 70kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * height
Simplifying the equation:
height = 0
Therefore, the height of the hill is zero.
Since the height of the hill is zero, there is no loss in potential energy.