Friction and Potential Energy in Incline Block Experiment

In summary, a physics student pulls a block of mass m = 25 kg up an incline for a distance of d = 4.5 m at a slow constant velocity with an angle of q = 33°. The work done by the student is 877.8548265 J. At the top of the incline, the block slides down and hits a spring, compressing it a distance L = 0.8 m before rebounding back and climbing up the incline. To find the speed v of the block when it first reaches the horizontal surface, the formula W=KEf-KEi is used, but the calculation results in an incorrect answer of 8.38 m/s. The spring constant k
  • #1
wolves5
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A physics student pulls a block of mass m = 25 kg up an incline at a slow constant velocity for a distance of d = 4.5 m. The incline makes an angle q = 33° with the horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the inclined plane is µk = 0.3.

a) What is the work Wm done by the student?
I got this question right. It's 877.8548265 J.

At the top of the incline, the string by which she was pulling the block breaks. The block, which was at rest, slides down a distance d = 4.5 m before it reaches a frictionless horizontal surface. A spring is mounted horizontally on the frictionless surface with one end attached to a wall. The block hits the spring, compresses it a distance L = 0.8 m, then rebounds back from the spring, retraces its path along the horizontal surface, and climbs up the incline.

b) What is the speed v of the block when it first reaches the horizontal surface?

I don't know how to do this. I thought it would be W=KEf-KEi. So I did 877.8548265 = (.5 x 25 x v2)- (0). I got 8.38 m/s, but its not right.

c) What is the spring constant k of the spring?

d) How far up the incline d1 does the block rebound?
 
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  • #2
wolves5 said:
b) What is the speed v of the block when it first reaches the horizontal surface?

I don't know how to do this. I thought it would be W=KEf-KEi. So I did 877.8548265 = (.5 x 25 x v2)- (0). I got 8.38 m/s, but its not right.

What is the work equal to? Friction and potential energy are not doing the same job as in a).
 

FAQ: Friction and Potential Energy in Incline Block Experiment

How do ramps affect the motion of objects?

Ramps are inclined planes that allow objects to move up or down with less force than if they were on a flat surface. This is due to the longer distance objects have to travel, which reduces the force required to move them. Ramps also allow for objects to gain or lose potential energy as they move.

What role does friction play in the motion of objects on ramps?

Friction is a force that opposes motion and is present on all surfaces. On ramps, friction can either help or hinder the motion of objects. If the ramp surface is rough, friction can slow down the object's motion. However, if the ramp surface is smooth, friction can be reduced and allow for objects to move more easily.

How does the mass of an object affect its motion on a ramp?

The mass of an object determines how much force is needed to move it up or down a ramp. Objects with larger masses require more force to move, while objects with smaller masses require less force. This is due to the relationship between mass and inertia, where objects with more mass have more inertia and therefore require more force to change their motion.

What is the role of springs in the motion of objects on ramps?

Springs are elastic objects that can store and release potential energy. When an object is placed on a spring, the spring will compress or stretch depending on the object's weight. This stored potential energy can then be released when the object is released, causing it to move up or down the ramp. Springs can also be used to slow down or stop the motion of objects on ramps.

How does the angle of a ramp affect the motion of objects?

The angle of a ramp, also known as the slope, can greatly affect the motion of objects. A steeper slope will require more force to move objects up or down, while a gentler slope will require less force. Additionally, a steeper slope can increase the speed of objects as they move down the ramp, while a gentler slope can decrease the speed. It is important to consider the angle of a ramp when predicting and controlling the motion of objects on it.

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