HELP! determine work needed to push a crate up a ramp at constant speed

dani123

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A ramp leading up to a loading platform is 3 m long and 1 m high at its highest point. If the friction is ignored, what work is needed to slide a 600-kg crate up the ramp at a constant speed?
a) 2.00 *10^2 J
b) 5.89 *10^2 J
c) 1.80 *10^3 J
d) 5.88 *10^3 J

I believe the answer is d) but I would just like someone to explain the answer to me and correct me if d) isn't the answer. THANK YOU SO MUCH, in advance :)


2. Relevant equations

a=0
Fnet=0..... because its at a constant speed
W=Ffriction=mg

3. The attempt at a solution

W=600kg*9.8m/s^2= 5.88*10^3J

tiny-tim

hi dani123!

(try using the X² button just above the Reply box )
correct
wrong, W is work, that's completely different from force

work done equals the change in energy, so you need an equation relating W and potential energy
maybe it's right, maybe it isn't, but the reasoning is certainly wrong

dani123

Ok so this may be a stupid question but is there a difference between force and energy? If so how am I suppose to calculate the energy in order to get the work required to push the crate up the ramp! Thanks so much for your time

tiny-tim

erm … yeeees!

big difference

energy = work = force times distance

(for example, mg is force, mgh is energy)

you need to go back to your book, and read those chapters again, before trying any more of these questions!

dani123

ops! lol its been a long day haha thank you