How Does Friction Affect the Final Velocity of a Block on an Incline?

In summary, the block's velocity when it has traveled a distance of 1m up the inclined plane is 3.87 m/s. This can be calculated using the equation vf = sqrt(vi^2 + 2a(delta x)), where a = 0.25 * (9.81*sin(45)) and vi = 4.7 m/s. It is important to note that the frictional force should be taken as negative, not positive, in the calculation. Alternatively, the conservation of energy equation can be used to find the final velocity, taking into account the work done against friction. This also gives a final velocity of 3.87 m/s.
  • #1
dancing123
4
0
A block m1 with mass 7 kg moves up an inclined plane with an initial velocity v=4.7 m/s. The inclined plane is at an angle of theta = 45 degrees from the horizontal. The coeff. of kinetic friction between the block and the incline is 0.25.

What is the block's velocity when it has traveled a distance D = 1 m up the incline?




F = (coeff. kinetic friction) x (normal force)
F = ma
vf^2 = vi^2 + 2a(delta x)




This is what I tried:
ma = mu(k) * N
ma = mu(k) * mgsin(theta)
a = mu(k) * gsin(theta)
a = 0.25 * (9.81*sin(45))
a = 1.73

vf^2 = vi^2 + 2a(delta x)
vf= sqrt(vi^2 + 2a(delta x))
vf = sqrt(4.7^2 + (2*1.73*1))
vf =5.05

But this velocity is too large. I don't know what I am doing wrong. Please help!
 
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  • #2
Firstly it looks at first glance like you may have taking the frictional force to be positive instead of negative!

By taking both the change in x and the frictional force to be positive, you are implying they are both acting in the same direction, which they clearly are not.

So

v^2=u^2+2ax

Where x=+1, and a=-1.73.

This gives the result

v=SQRT(4.7^2-2*1.73)

Remember you can also do it with conservation of energy, where the change in kinetic energy will be equal to the change in gravitation potential plus the work done against the friction.
 

Related to How Does Friction Affect the Final Velocity of a Block on an Incline?

1. What is the "Block on Incline" problem?

The "Block on Incline" problem is a classic physics problem that involves a block placed on an inclined plane. The goal is to determine the acceleration of the block as it slides down the incline, taking into account factors such as the angle of the incline, the mass of the block, and any external forces acting on the block.

2. What are the key principles involved in solving the "Block on Incline" problem?

The key principles involved in solving the "Block on Incline" problem are Newton's laws of motion, specifically the first and second laws. These laws state that an object will remain at rest or continue at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force, and that the net force on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration.

3. How do you calculate the acceleration of the block in the "Block on Incline" problem?

The acceleration of the block can be calculated using the formula a = g*sinθ, where a is the acceleration, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and θ is the angle of the incline. This formula assumes that there are no external forces acting on the block, such as friction.

4. How does the angle of the incline affect the acceleration of the block in the "Block on Incline" problem?

The angle of the incline directly affects the acceleration of the block. As the angle increases, the component of the force of gravity acting down the incline also increases, resulting in a higher acceleration. Conversely, as the angle decreases, the acceleration decreases as well. At a 0 degree angle (horizontal plane), there is no acceleration as the block remains at rest.

5. What is the significance of the "Block on Incline" problem in the field of physics?

The "Block on Incline" problem is a fundamental problem in the field of physics that helps demonstrate and apply key principles such as Newton's laws of motion and the concept of forces and acceleration. It also has practical applications in fields such as engineering and mechanics, as it helps in understanding motion and forces on objects in real-world scenarios.

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