Gravitational ep in a uniform field

In summary, gravitational potential in a uniform field is a measure of the energy per unit mass at a certain point in the field and is directly related to the gravitational force. It can be calculated by multiplying the strength of the field by the distance from the center. Gravitational potential and gravitational potential energy are directly related, with the former representing the potential energy per unit mass and the latter representing the total potential energy of an object in a gravitational field. A uniform field has a constant gravitational potential, while a non-uniform field has a varying gravitational potential. The gravitational potential in a uniform field affects the motion of objects by determining the amount of work done by gravity, which can either increase or decrease the object's kinetic energy and resulting in a change
  • #1
kelly242
13
0

Homework Statement


A 10.0 kg box is slid down15.0 m along a 20.0o ramp. The force of friction is 40.0 N. What is the change in the gravitational potential energy of the box?

Homework Equations



W=Fdcos of theta

The Attempt at a Solution


W=(40 N)(15 m)(cos 20)
=563.8J
The actual answer is -503 J...
 
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  • #2
Try:

V = mgh

Then just figure out what the initial height is.
 

Related to Gravitational ep in a uniform field

1. What is gravitational potential in a uniform field?

Gravitational potential in a uniform field is a measure of the amount of energy that a unit mass would have if it were placed at a certain point in the field. It is directly related to the gravitational force and is used to calculate the work done by gravity on an object.

2. How is gravitational potential in a uniform field calculated?

The gravitational potential in a uniform field can be calculated by multiplying the strength of the field by the distance from the center of the field. This can be represented by the equation V = mgz, where V is the gravitational potential, m is the mass, g is the gravitational acceleration, and z is the distance from the center of the field.

3. What is the relationship between gravitational potential and gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential and gravitational potential energy are directly related. Gravitational potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, while gravitational potential is a measure of the potential energy per unit mass at a certain point in the field. The two can be calculated using the equation PE = mgh, where PE is the gravitational potential energy, m is the mass, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the height at which the object is located.

4. What is the difference between a uniform field and a non-uniform field?

A uniform field is one in which the strength and direction of the field do not change over a given distance, while a non-uniform field is one in which the strength and/or direction of the field vary over a given distance. In a uniform field, the gravitational potential is constant, whereas in a non-uniform field, the gravitational potential varies.

5. How does gravitational potential in a uniform field affect the motion of objects?

The gravitational potential in a uniform field affects the motion of objects by determining the amount of work done by gravity on the object. Depending on the direction of the field, the gravitational potential can either increase or decrease the kinetic energy of the object, resulting in a change in its velocity. In a uniform field, the work done by gravity is independent of the path taken by the object, as long as the starting and ending points are the same.

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