A rock rolling down an incline-velocity and force

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SUMMARY

A spherical rock weighing 20 tons rolls down a steep incline from a height of 400 meters. The discussion emphasizes using the principle of conservation of energy to calculate the rock's velocity at ground level and the force exerted on it. The initial potential energy of the rock is converted into kinetic energy as it descends. The calculations reveal that the velocity upon reaching the ground can be determined using energy conservation formulas.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of energy principles
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy equations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of mass, weight, and force
  • Ability to perform calculations involving height and velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations for gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
  • Learn how to apply the conservation of energy in physics problems
  • Explore the relationship between mass, weight, and force in dynamics
  • Investigate the effects of incline angles on rolling objects
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching energy conservation, and anyone interested in mechanics and dynamics of rolling objects.

NDbogan
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The question is:
a spherical rock weighing 20 tons starts rolling down a steep incline from a height of 400 metres. Calculate the velocity when it reaches the ground level. What is the force exerted on the rock?


I've tried to work this out but I just can't seem to grasp exactly what I'm missing.

Any help will be really appreciated.
 
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Conservation of energy ::biggrin::
 
hmm...could you explain it a bit further.
 
Use conservation of energy. The energy the rock has at the start and what is the energy converted to when it reaches the bottom
 

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