Block sliding down hill splits into two blocks

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block of mass sliding down a slope, which splits into two blocks at a certain height. The context includes parameters such as mass, height, angle, and coefficient of friction, with a focus on determining the velocity of the blocks immediately after the split while considering energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conditions under which the blocks split and the implications for energy conservation. Questions arise about the initial conditions of the blocks and the nature of their separation. Some participants express confusion regarding the energy loss and its relation to kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem. Some have offered insights into the conservation of energy, while others question the completeness of the problem's information. There is no explicit consensus on how to proceed, but several lines of reasoning are being examined.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of information regarding the mechanics of the split and the initial conditions of the blocks, which complicates the analysis. There is also mention of the need for a structured approach to the homework problem.

TGProm
I am currently working on this problem and I am stuck as to how to approach or solve it. The problem is that a block of mass 11000kg is sliding down a slope with a height of 1000m, angle of 40 degrees and the coefficient of friction between the block and the slope is 0.1. The block splits apart into two blocks (m1 = 10000kg, m2 = 1000kg) at a height of 422m. I am trying to determine their velocity directly after the blocks split, so that energy is conserved. Any insight on how to tackle this problem would be greatly appreciated and please let me know if any clarification is needed.

Thank you
 
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What causes the blocks to split?
 
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Khashishi said:
What causes the blocks to split?
That information was not provided.
 
The velocity is unchanged.
 
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CWatters said:
The velocity is unchanged.
I tried that approach but ended up with an energy loss. Energy is conserved in the system, so would that energy loss be considered loss of kinetic energy?
 
The answer is undefined. If the information is provided, then this becomes an elementary homework problem. But for now, it's just an incomplete problem.
 
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Khashishi said:
The answer is undefined. If the information is provided, then this becomes an elementary homework problem. But for now, it's just an incomplete problem.
How would you determine the energy required to break/split the block into two pieces?
 
Are the two pieces initially bonded together? Or just sitting on each other? If the latter, you need to know the friction between the pieces and the angle between them.
 
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Khashishi said:
Are the two pieces initially bonded together? Or just sitting on each other? If the latter, you need to know the friction between the pieces and the angle between them.
Initially bonded together, or the block broke into two pieces.
 
  • #10
Who knows? You are asking how to solve an underspecified problem by making up details.
 
  • #11
Khashishi said:
Who knows? You are asking how to solve an underspecified problem by making up details.
How would you solve for either of those cases? As in either could have occurred in this problem.
 
  • #12
This is homework and should have been placed in the Homework section, and should have a template. There some answers so it cannot be locked. Moved to homework.
 
  • #13
CWatters said:
The velocity is unchanged.

TGProm said:
I tried that approach but ended up with an energy loss.

Please show your working because there cannot be a loss of energy if energy is conserved.

Consider two people going down hill on roller skates holding hands. If they let go of each other then the velocity before and after is the same.
 

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