Mass on Incline: Kinetic & Potential Energy

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of conservation of energy to solve a problem involving a body moving along a slope. The equations used are kinetic energy = (1/2) m v^2 and potential energy = mgh. The solution involves using the values of acceleration and displacement to determine the final velocity and position of the body.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Attached

Homework Equations


kinetic energy = (1/2) m v^2
potential energy = mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


Did I do this correctly,

At the top, kinetic energy is 0 since it starts at rest. At the bottom we choose the potential to be zero
So using conservation,
[tex] mgz= \frac{1}{2}m\vec{v_f}^2[/tex]
Then, substitute [tex] z=s(t)sin\theta[/tex],
And [tex] \vec{v_f} = \vec{a}t [/tex]
where [tex] \vec{a} = \frac{\vec{F}}{m} = \frac{mgsin\theta}{m} = gsin\theta [/tex]

To get [tex] mgs(t)sin\theta = \frac{1}{2}m(gtsin\theta)^2 [/tex]
solve for [tex] s(t) = \frac{gt^2sin\theta}{2} [/tex]
 

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  • #2
Looks correct to me! You can verify it by putting θ=90° and θ=0°. When θ=90°, it's a free fall, so, s(t)=½gt2, the 2nd kinematical equation with u=0. With θ=0, the body will not move at all, so, s=0.
 

What is the relationship between mass, incline, kinetic energy, and potential energy?

The mass of an object on an incline affects both its kinetic and potential energy. The steeper the incline, the greater the potential energy of the object. The mass of the object also affects its kinetic energy, with more massive objects having greater kinetic energy. Additionally, the angle of the incline can affect the ratio of kinetic to potential energy.

How do you calculate the kinetic and potential energy of an object on an incline?

To calculate the kinetic energy of an object on an incline, you can use the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. The potential energy can be calculated using the formula PE = m * g * h, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the incline.

What happens to the kinetic and potential energy of an object as it moves down an incline?

As an object moves down an incline, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. This is because the object is losing height and gaining speed, resulting in a transfer of energy from potential to kinetic. The total energy (the sum of kinetic and potential energy) remains constant due to the law of conservation of energy.

How does friction affect the kinetic and potential energy of an object on an incline?

Friction can decrease the kinetic energy of an object on an incline by opposing its motion and converting some of its kinetic energy into heat. Friction can also affect the potential energy by making it harder for the object to move up the incline, thus requiring more energy to overcome the frictional force.

Can an object have both kinetic and potential energy at the same time on an incline?

Yes, an object on an incline can have both kinetic and potential energy at the same time. As the object moves down the incline, it has both kinetic energy due to its motion and potential energy due to its position on the incline. The total energy (the sum of kinetic and potential energy) remains constant throughout the object's motion.

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