Block sliding down hill splits into two blocks

In summary, the problem involves a block of mass 11000kg sliding down a slope with a height of 1000m, angle of 40 degrees, and a coefficient of friction of 0.1. The block splits apart into two smaller blocks (m1 = 10000kg, m2 = 1000kg) at a height of 422m. The goal is to determine the velocity of the blocks directly after the split in order to conserve energy. There is uncertainty regarding the cause of the split and whether or not the blocks were initially bonded together. The approach to solving this problem is incomplete and requires more information.
  • #1
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What causes the blocks to split?
 
  • Like
Likes TGProm
  • #3
Khashishi said:
What causes the blocks to split?
That information was not provided.
 
  • #4
The velocity is unchanged.
 
  • Like
Likes TGProm
  • #5
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?
 
  • #6
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.
 
  • Like
Likes TGProm
  • #7
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?
 
  • #8
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.
 
  • Like
Likes TGProm
  • #9
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.
 

1. What is the physics behind a block sliding down a hill and splitting into two blocks?

The physics behind this phenomenon can be explained by the principles of conservation of energy and momentum. As the block slides down the hill, it gains kinetic energy and momentum. When it hits an obstacle, such as a rock or a bump, the kinetic energy and momentum are transferred to the obstacle, causing the block to split into two pieces. This transfer of energy and momentum allows the block to continue moving in different directions.

2. Can this phenomenon be observed in real life?

Yes, this phenomenon can be observed in real life. One example is when a boulder falls off a cliff and breaks into smaller pieces upon impact with the ground. Another example is when a larger meteoroid breaks apart in the Earth's atmosphere and forms smaller meteorites.

3. What factors can affect the outcome of a block sliding down a hill and splitting into two blocks?

The outcome of this phenomenon can be affected by various factors, such as the speed and direction of the block's initial movement, the angle of the hill, the type of surface the block is sliding on, and the size and shape of the obstacle it hits.

4. Is this phenomenon a result of external forces acting on the block?

No, this phenomenon is not a result of external forces acting on the block. Instead, it is a result of the block's own energy and momentum being transferred to an obstacle upon impact, causing it to split into two pieces.

5. Are there any practical applications for this phenomenon?

Yes, this phenomenon has practical applications in various fields, such as geology and engineering. It can help scientists understand the effects of impact forces on objects, such as boulders and meteorites, and how they can break apart into smaller pieces. This understanding can also aid in designing structures and materials that can withstand impact forces.

Similar threads

Block Sliding Down a Ramp that is Free to Slide
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
7K
Mechanical energy of a wooden block sliding down an incline.
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
A block sliding down a ramp lab (with friction)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
3K
Centre of mass Momentum problem-Two blocks
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
5K
Why is/is-not energy conserved in these scenarios?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
Two blocks tied with massless rope sliding down an incline
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
9K
Sliding block transitions to rotation around pivot
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
Tension and acceleration, one floating block, one sliding
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Block sliding down an incline then collides with another block question.
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
8K
S Help Solve Block Slides Down Ramp Problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top