How Much Potential Energy Is Lost to Friction on an Incline?

In summary, lost potential energy refers to the energy that is not used or transformed into another form, resulting in a decrease in the total amount of potential energy in a system. Examples of lost potential energy include a ball rolling down a hill, a pendulum at the bottom of its swing, and a stretched spring returning to its original length. Potential energy can be lost through various processes, such as friction, heat, sound, and other forms of energy conversion. Lost potential energy can be regained through the conversion of other forms of energy. The loss of potential energy can have various implications depending on the system and the amount of energy lost.
  • #1
jabbie3
19
0

Homework Statement



A mass 0.40 kg is released and slides down the incline. The maximum velocity ( taken the instant before the mass reaches the bottom of the incline ) is 1.00 m/s. What is the kinetic energy at that time? What percentage of the potential energy of the system is not converted into kinetic energy due to friction? (converted into heat instead)

I don't quite understand how to find out the percent of potential energy lost..thanks for any help!

Homework Equations



I solved for the kinetic energy correctly by using

W=KE=1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



=1/2(.4)(1)^2
=.2 Joules

i'm not sure about how to solve for the percent of potential energy lost..thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You're going to need to know the height to figure the PE.
 
  • #3
The height is 7 cm (.007 m)
 
  • #4
Potential Energy!

Homework Statement



A mass 0.40 kg is released and slides down the incline. The maximum velocity ( taken the instant before the mass reaches the bottom of the incline ) is 1.00 m/s. What is the kinetic energy at that time? What percentage of the potential energy of the system is not converted into kinetic energy due to friction? (converted into heat instead)

The height of the incline is 7 cm..and the hypotenuse is 40 cm

I don't quite understand how to find out the percent of potential energy lost..thanks for any help!

Homework Equations



I solved for the kinetic energy correctly by using

W=KE=1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



=1/2(.4)(1)^2
=.2 Joules

i'm not sure about how to solve for the percent of potential energy lost..thanks!
 
  • #5
OK. So what is the potential energy available to go to kinetic?

How much does it need to go 1 m/s? Well you found that.

So how much potential isn't accounted for in going to kinetic?
 
  • #6


What is the potential energy at the top of the inclined plane?
 
  • #7


Is it .2744 Joules?
 

FAQ: How Much Potential Energy Is Lost to Friction on an Incline?

What is lost potential energy?

Lost potential energy refers to the energy that is not used or transformed into another form, resulting in a decrease in the total amount of potential energy in a system.

What are some examples of lost potential energy?

Examples of lost potential energy include a ball rolling down a hill, a pendulum at the bottom of its swing, and a stretched spring returning to its original length.

How can potential energy be lost?

Potential energy can be lost through various processes, such as friction, heat, sound, and other forms of energy conversion. For example, when a ball rolls down a hill, some of its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and lost due to friction with the ground.

Can lost potential energy be regained?

Yes, lost potential energy can be regained through the conversion of other forms of energy. For example, the ball rolling down a hill can regain its potential energy when it is brought back up to the top of the hill.

What are the implications of lost potential energy?

The loss of potential energy can have various implications depending on the system and the amount of energy lost. In some cases, it can lead to a decrease in efficiency, while in others it can result in a loss of usable energy.

Similar threads

Expression for magnitude of the constant friction force
Replies
7
Views
516
Variable friction on an inclined plane and maximum velocity
Replies
33
Views
3K
Classic Incline problem with cylinder
Replies
13
Views
585
Energy of particle in simple harmonic motion
Replies
13
Views
310
Conservation of Momentum Problem - Mechanical and Kinetic Energies
Replies
2
Views
417
Kinetic Energy of a Cylinder Rolling Without Slipping
Replies
21
Views
2K
Conservation of Energy Along an Incline with Friction
Replies
3
Views
1K
A cart collides with a bumper -- Find the final displacements, etc.
Replies
15
Views
1K
The Role of Friction in Rotational Motion
Replies
11
Views
2K
[Momentum and Energy] How much of initial velocity is lost?
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top