Is c) the correct answer for this Mechanical Energy problem?

In summary, the problem involves determining the change of mechanical energy of an object moving up a ramp. The answer depends on the direction of the net force, but in either case, the kinetic energy will be increasing and the mechanical energy will be changing due to the object's movement against friction and gravity.
  • #1
temaire
279
0
[SOLVED] Mechanical Energy problem

Homework Statement


http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7201/dynamics3oi8.jpg


Homework Equations


[tex]E_{m}=E_k + E_p[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I think that the answer to the problem is c), because as the object is moving up, it is slowing down because it has to work against friction and gravity. Also, as the object moves up, it gains height, and therefore gains potential energy. Am I right?
 
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  • #2
Can anyone help?
 
  • #3
If there's a net force up the ramp then it has to be accelerating, and therefore KE is increasing.
 
  • #4
we don't know where the net force is pointing though, because we don't know the magnitude of all the forces.

the answer depends on whether the forces cause the ball to move up or down the ramp. either way the kinetic energy will be increasing since it was motionless a moment before.

the mechanical energy will be increasing/decreasing depending which way the ball moves.
 
  • #5
Thanks dylan.
 

Related to Is c) the correct answer for this Mechanical Energy problem?

What is mechanical energy?

Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in a system. Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or state.

What are the types of mechanical energy?

The two types of mechanical energy are kinetic energy and potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or state.

How is mechanical energy conserved?

Mechanical energy is conserved when the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy remains constant in a closed system. This means that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transformed from one form to another.

What are some examples of mechanical energy?

Some examples of mechanical energy include a moving car, a swinging pendulum, a falling object, or a compressed spring. In all of these cases, there is a transfer of energy between kinetic and potential energy.

How is mechanical energy calculated?

The total mechanical energy of a system is calculated by adding the kinetic energy and potential energy of all objects in the system. The formula for kinetic energy is 1/2 * mass * velocity^2, and the formula for potential energy is mass * gravity * height.

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