Problem 2
A skateboarder with mass m begins at a height H above the ground, descends along the curved ramp shown in figure 2, and launches
off a smaller ramp of height h at an angle $\theta$ with respect to the ground.
initial
energy
H
$\frac{1}{2}mv^2 + mgh$
Figure 2: Skateboarder on ramp before launching into projectile motion.
(a) Calculate the net work done by gravity on the skateboarder from the moment she drops in from height H, to the moment just
before she launches off the ramp. Express the work as a function of H, h, m, and g.
(b) Using the result from part a, calculate her velocity as she launches off the lower ramp, in terms of H, h, g, and $\theta$.
(c) What distance does she travel before landing on the ground?
(d) What is her maximum height above the ground after launching off the smaller ramp?
