Are Your Calculations for Energy and Friction Correct?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the calculations of energy and friction in a physics problem involving a block on a ramp. The potential energy at the top is converted to kinetic energy and then to work done against friction. The calculated distance of 45 meters, based on the given potential energy and friction work equations, is confirmed to be correct. Participants suggest a probable error in the problem statement regarding the coefficient of kinetic friction, likely intended to be 0.1 instead of 1.0. Overall, the calculations are validated, reinforcing the understanding of the work-energy relationship.
HaoPhysics
Messages
26
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


upload_2017-5-5_18-2-1.png


Homework Equations


The block has potential energy U at the top of the ramp, and this is transferred to kinetic energy K at the bottom, which is then trasnfered to work done by friction, Wfr.
U = K Conservation of energy
K = Wfr Conservation of energy
g = 10 m/s2

The Attempt at a Solution


U = mgh = 3*45*10 = 1350 J
1350 J = Wfr = Ffr * d = m*g*u*d = 3*10*1*d
1350 = 30*d
d = 45 m

This does not match the answers. Am I doing anything wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your calculations are correct. There is likely an error in the problem statement. I suspect that they intended the coefficient of kinetic friction to be 0.1. Your answer of 45 m is correct for the given information.
 
gneill said:
Your calculations are correct. There is likely an error in the problem statement. I suspect that they intended the coefficient of kinetic friction to be 0.1. Your answer of 45 m is correct for the given information.

That is a very good point. We usually don't see coefficients of friction to be 1.0, so it probably was 0.1. I just wanted to make sure my understanding of work-energy relationship was correct. Thanks!
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top