Block Sliding, might use work energy theorum

In summary, a block of mass 4.2 kg with an initial velocity of 3.3 m/s slides on a horizontal surface. The constant friction force of 10.2N exerted on the block is used to find the acceleration, which can be solved using Newton's Second Law. Using the work energy theorem may be more complicated than necessary for this problem.
  • #1
datrumpet45
2
0

Homework Statement


A block of mass 4.2 kg which has an initial velocity of 3.3 m/s at time t=0, slides on a horizontal surface.

If a constant friction force of 10.2N is exerted on the block by the surface, what is the acceleration?

Homework Equations



Work Energy Theorum?
.5 m vo2 - .5 m v22

v = vo + at



The Attempt at a Solution


I found the kinetic energy of the block, then subtracted the 10.2N of friction. Then I solved for the second velocity. I plugged this into the acceleration equasion, but the answer was not correct? Can anyone help me?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You might be over-thinking this one. What is Newton's Second Law?
 
  • #3
Using the work energy stuff is going to give you a second order differential equation with 2 boundary conditions to solve (initial and final velocity)
Which is probably a bit harder than is required for this problem..

There is however an equation which relates force to acceleration in a very simple way
 

1. What is block sliding and how does it relate to work energy theorem?

Block sliding is a physics concept that involves the movement of a block along a surface. The work energy theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to its change in kinetic energy. In the case of block sliding, this means that the work done by the force moving the block is equal to the change in the block's kinetic energy.

2. How do you calculate the work done on a block when it is sliding?

To calculate the work done on a block when it is sliding, you will need to know the force applied to the block and the distance the block travels. The work done is equal to the force multiplied by the distance the block moves in the direction of the force.

3. Can the work energy theorem be applied to a block sliding on an inclined plane?

Yes, the work energy theorem can be applied to a block sliding on an inclined plane. In this case, the force applied to the block is the component of the force of gravity acting along the direction of motion, and the distance the block travels is the length of the inclined plane. The work done will be equal to the change in the block's kinetic energy.

4. How can friction affect the work done on a sliding block?

Friction can have a significant impact on the work done on a sliding block. When a block is sliding, friction acts in the opposite direction of motion, which means that it does negative work. This means that the total work done on the block will be less than the force applied multiplied by the distance traveled.

5. What are some real-world applications of block sliding and the work energy theorem?

Block sliding and the work energy theorem have many real-world applications. Some examples include calculating the work done on a car when it is braking, determining the force required to push a heavy object up a ramp, and understanding the energy transfer in roller coasters. These concepts are also important in engineering and designing efficient machines and structures.

Similar threads

Finding the work done by a block
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Applying the Work-Energy theorem to a system
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
982
Newton's laws--Block sliding up a frictionless semi-circular track
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
37
Views
2K
Block sliding on a semicircular track with friction
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
177
Newton's laws — Two stacked blocks sliding on a frictionless floor
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
Work-Energy Theorem and Friction
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Why can we move the spring with constant speed when we apply a force?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
908
Work and Energy on a Slope - How Does a Block Move Up with Zero Net Work?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Variable friction on an inclined plane and maximum velocity
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
2K
Dropping a block on another block which is performing SHM
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top