Question

A 65kg student is climbing up a rock face at a constant speed. Neglect any friction and drag impeding her motion. How much force is the student generating up the hill? What is the magnitude of the net force?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Answer & Explanation:

Since the student is climbing up the rock face at a constant speed, we know that the net force acting on her must be zero. This means that the force she is generating upward is equal in magnitude to the force of gravity pulling her downward.

1. Force the student generates upward (F_up) = Weight of the student = mass * gravitational acceleration

F_up = 65 kg * 9.8 m/s² ≈ 637 N (Newtons)

2. Net force (F_net) = 0 N (since she's moving at a constant speed)

So, the student is generating an upward force of approximately 637 Newtons, and the magnitude of the net force is 0 Newtons. This scenario is an example of equilibrium, where the upward force she generates balances out the downward force due to gravity, resulting in no net acceleration.