Block sliding down a ramp problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block sliding down a frictionless ramp that transitions to a section with kinetic friction. The block's initial conditions include a height of 2.0 m and a speed of 8.0 m/s at point A. Participants are tasked with determining the block's speed at point B or its maximum height if it cannot reach point B, considering the effects of friction.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of energy and the role of friction in calculating the block's speed at various points. There are questions about whether to include angles in the friction calculations and how to account for the mass of the block.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered guidance on setting up equations involving energy conservation and frictional forces. There is ongoing exploration of different interpretations regarding the calculations needed to find the block's speed at point B and the effects of height and friction on the motion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of the block's mass in the equations and question how it affects the calculations. There is also a mention of the specific distance L where friction applies, which is critical to the problem's setup.

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Homework Statement



The path that a block slides along is frictionless until the block reaches the section L shown in the figure below. The length L = 0.75 m begins at height h = 2.0 m on a ramp of angle θ = 30º. In that section, the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.40. The block passes through point A with a speed of 8.0 m / s.

If the block can reach point B (where the friction ends), what is its speed there, and if it cannot, what is its greatest height above A?

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/633/frictionboxpu8.jpg

Homework Equations



[tex]K_A = U_g + K_f -f_kd[/tex]

[tex]f_k=\mu_kmg[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



L (friction spot)= 0.75m
[tex]h_f= 2.00m[/tex]

[tex]\theta= 30^o[/tex]

[tex]\mu = 0.40[/tex]

[tex]V_A= 8.0m/s[/tex]


I was thinking conservation of momentum...

do I take A. to be the initial V? I was thinking it would be but not sure. (continuing as if I'm correct)

[tex]K_A + U_g= U_g + K_f -f_kd[/tex]

[tex]0.5 mv_A^2 + 0 = mgd sin 30^o + 0 - \mu mgL[/tex]

Is this correct?
or does the distance for the friction have to include the angle?
and thus be

[tex]0.5 mv_A^2 + 0 = mgy sin 30^o + 0 - \mu mgLsin 30^o[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Find the velocity of the block at h = 2m. Then use the conservation of energy to find the final velocity at B.
While going up the block encounters retardation due gravity and frictional force. While calculating the final velocity take these in account. If you get negative answer then the block won't reach the point B.
 
Last edited:
was my equation correct though ? (to find the height)

I was really curious to know if I needed to make the frictional force include the angle I was given.

[tex]0.5 mv_A^2 + 0 = mgd sin 30^o + 0 - \mu mgLsin 30^o[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Frictional force = mu*mg*cos(theta). So the total work done along the ramp = [mu*mg*cos(theta) + mg*sin(theta)]*L
 
rl.bhat said:
Frictional force = mu*mg*cos(theta). So the total work done along the ramp = [mu*mg*cos(theta) + mg*sin(theta)]*L


why is it all multiplied by L ?

L= only the part of ramp with friction.

d= total distance traveled by block
 
Because the frictional force acts only along L, not through out the displacement. Since we don't know the total distance d try to work out with h and L. In your equation work done against the friction should be mu*mg*cos(theta)*L.
 
[tex]0.5 mv_A^2 + 0 = mgy sin 30^o + 0 - \mu mg L cos 30^o[/tex]

is it fine now?

well assuming it is since nobody answered me.

WAIT A SEC I don't have the mass of the block...Does it cancel out??

Mass matters so how would I find it if the mass isn't given??
 
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WAIT A SEC I don't have the mass of the block...Does it cancel out??
Yes.
Now what is y?
 
y= 2m

I figured that for the first part where I go and calculate the final v at the height 2m

How would I calculate the v at the final point B ? I'm not quite sure how the eqzn would look.


[tex]0.5(m)(8.00m/s)^2 + 0 = (m)(9.81m/s^2)(2m) + 0.5(m)(v_f)^2[/tex]

I think this is fine to calculate the v at the 2m point on the ramp but I'm not sure.

I got v= 4.98m/s

but how would I find the v at B (to see whether it's negative or not?)


Is it

[tex]0.5 mv_A^2 + 0 = mgy sin 30^o + 0 - \mu mg L cos 30^o[/tex]


I have to get to sleep...I'll check in the morning
 
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  • #10
Height of B with respect to A ...H = h + l = 2 + 0.75sin(30).
Now you can wright 0.5mVA^2 - 0.5mVB^2 = mgH + mu*mg*cos(30)*L.
Solve for VB.
 
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  • #11
so when I wrote this => [tex]0.5(m)(8.00m/s)^2 + 0 = (m)(9.81m/s^2)(2m) + 0.5(m)(v_f)^2[/tex]

I guess it was okay right? (I was thinking I needed a sin or cos somewhere)

for the

rl.bhat said:
Height of B with respect to A ...H = h + l = 2 + 0.75sin(30).
Now you can wright 0.5VA^2 - 0.5VB^2 = mgH + mu*mg*cos(30)*L.
Solve for VB.

I don't have m so how would that work? I don't think it will cancel out this time.

Help
 
  • #12
I have edited my mail which you have quoted.
The correct expression is: 0.5mVA^2 - 0.5mVB^2 = mgH + mu*mg*cos(30)*L.
When you cancell m, you get...0.5*8^2 - 0.5*VB^2 = 9.8*(2 + 0.375) + 0.4*9.8*0.866*0.75. Solve it and find the value of VB.
 
  • #13
rl.bhat said:
I have edited my mail which you have quoted.
The correct expression is: 0.5mVA^2 - 0.5mVB^2 = mgH + mu*mg*cos(30)*L.
When you cancell m, you get...0.5*8^2 - 0.5*VB^2 = 9.8*(2 + 0.375) + 0.4*9.8*0.866*0.75. Solve it and find the value of VB.


for the initial velocity at [tex]V_{2.00m}[/tex] I got 4.98m/s with the equation

[tex]0.5(m)(8.00m/s)^2 + 0 = (m)(9.81m/s^2)(2m) + 0.5(m)(v_f)^2[/tex]

why did I get that if I don't use that as a initial velocity for V at h = 2.00 but instead use the VA which is bellow ramp to find V at the point B?
 
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  • #14
Initially I suggested that keeping in mind to use the formula:
0.5*V2m^^2 - 0.5*VB^2 = 9.8* 0.375 + 0.4*9.8*0.866*0.75. After seeing your equation I thought it is better to do at one stretch. In your equation the error is you have assumed VB = 0 and you have taken work done against friction negative.
 
  • #15
Okay Thank You :smile:
 

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