A hiker of mass 72 kg climbs a 680 m vertical section of a mountain trail in 2.0 h
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics C: Mechanics · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power
Problem
A hiker of mass 72 kg climbs a 680 m vertical section of a mountain trail in 2.0 h. Ignore any horizontal motion and assume that all of the hiker’s mechanical energy gain results from the change in altitude.
(a) Calculate the change in the hiker’s gravitational potential energy during the climb.
(b) Determine the hiker’s average mechanical power output for the climb.
(c) Express the average mechanical power found in part (b) in horsepower (1 hp = 746 W).
(d) Briefly interpret what the value obtained in part (c) indicates about the sustained power capability of an average person.