AP Physics 1 Help? Centripetal motion/Kinematics/Friction problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving centripetal motion, friction, and energy conservation. The user successfully derived equations for the speed of block A at point Y using gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy, concluding that v = sqrt(2gR) is correct for part 1. The user also calculated the force of friction and work done by friction using Ff = Fn*mu and w = Ff*d. However, they struggled with determining the speed of block A at point P, indicating a need for a deeper understanding of energy transformations and frictional effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration and its application in non-uniform motion.
  • Knowledge of kinetic and potential energy principles in physics.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of friction and work done by forces.
  • Ability to manipulate and solve algebraic equations related to motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conservation of energy in systems with friction, focusing on energy loss due to work done by friction.
  • Learn about the relationship between angular speed and linear speed in circular motion.
  • Explore advanced applications of Newton's laws in non-uniform motion scenarios.
  • Review the derivation and application of equations for kinetic and potential energy in various contexts.
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Students studying AP Physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of problem-solving in centripetal motion and energy conservation.

tortilla
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Homework Statement
A track consists of frictionless arc XY which is a quarter circle of radius R and a rough horizontal secion YZ. Block A of mass M is released from rest at point X slides down the curved section of the track to point Y. Block A continues moving along the horizontal track to the right, sliding past point P which is a distance l from point Y. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the blocks and the horizontal part of the track is mu.

Express your answers in terms of M, l, mu, R, and g.

1. Determine the speed of block A at point Y.

2. Determine the force due to friction acting upon block A as it slides horizontally.

3. Determine the work done by friction on block A as it passes point P.

4. Determine the speed of block A as it passes point P.
Relevant Equations
Fc = (Mv^2)/R
Ff = Fn*mu
w = Ff*d
I think I have solved the first three, and only really need help on question four.

For number one, I used Fc = (Mv^2)/R and just rearranged it for velocity so I ended up with v = sqrt(ac * R)

For number 2 I used Ff = Fn*mu and got Mg*mu = Ff

For number 3 I used w = Ff*d and got w = -Mg*mu*l

For number four I have no idea.
 

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The potential energy should equal the kinetic energy minus the work of friction. That should be what you use to find the velocity.
 
Last edited:
tortilla said:
Homework Statement:: A track consists of frictionless arc XY which is a quarter circle of radius R and a rough horizontal secion YZ. Block A of mass M is released from rest at point X slides down the curved section of the track to point Y. Block A continues moving along the horizontal track to the right, sliding past point P which is a distance l from point Y. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the blocks and the horizontal part of the track is mu.

Express your answers in terms of M, l, mu, R, and g.

1. Determine the speed of block A at point Y.

2. Determine the force due to friction acting upon block A as it slides horizontally.

3. Determine the work done by friction on block A as it passes point P.

4. Determine the speed of block A as it passes point P.
Homework Equations:: Fc = (Mv^2)/R
Ff = Fn*mu
w = Ff*d

I think I have solved the first three, and only really need help on question four.

For number one, I used Fc = (Mv^2)/R and just rearranged it for velocity so I ended up with v = sqrt(ac * R)

For number four I have no idea.

Your answer to number 1 is not correct. What value are you going to use for ##a_c##? You've used an equation for the centripetal acceleration associated with constant speed circular motion, which is not relevant here.

If you work out how to solve part 1, you may see how to solve part 4.
 
PeroK said:
Your answer to number 1 is not correct. What value are you going to use for ##a_c##? You've used an equation for the centripetal acceleration associated with constant speed circular motion, which is not relevant here.

If you work out how to solve part 1, you may see how to solve part 4.

Thanks so much for pointing that out! should I be using v=(2piR)/t? I don't know the time it was on the track
 
tortilla said:
Thanks so much for pointing that out! should I be using v=(2piR)/t? I don't know the time it was on the track

This problem will be difficult using forces and acceleration. Can you think of another approach?
 
I'm really not sure. Should I be looking at the angular speed? just v/R?
 
tortilla said:
I'm really not sure. Should I be looking at the angular speed? just v/R?

No. Something else. You used it to solve part 3.
 
PeroK said:
No. Something else. You used it to solve part 3.
Because it isn't uniform the work is not zero?
 
PeroK said:
No. Something else. You used it to solve part 3.
since at point X it is at rest all the energy is gravitational potential, right? So if I set mgR equal to .5*m*v^2 and get v = sqrt(2gR) is that correct for part 1?
 
  • #10
tortilla said:
since at point X it is at rest all the energy is gravitational potential, right? So if I set mgR equal to .5*m*v^2 and get v = sqrt(2gR) is that correct for part 1?
Yes.
 
  • #11
haruspex said:
Yes.
Thank you so so much
 

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