Calculating KE, PE & Total Energies: A 10kg Block & Friction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating kinetic energy (KE), potential energy (PE), and total energy for a 10 kg block sliding on a surface with friction. The block starts with an initial speed of 5 m/s and has a coefficient of friction of 0.5. Participants are exploring how to account for friction when determining the energies and final speed after the block slides 2.0 m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the importance of the kinetic friction force and its role in calculating energy changes. Questions arise about how to apply the friction force to find the final energies and speed of the block after sliding a certain distance.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants actively seeking clarification on how to use the work-energy theorem to relate the work done by friction to changes in energy. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some guidance has been offered regarding the application of the work-energy principle.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the application of friction in energy calculations and the relationship between work done and energy changes. The specific details of the problem setup, such as the initial conditions and parameters, are acknowledged but not fully resolved.

bradefeld
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Homework Statement


Initially, a 10 kg block is sliding along the floor at a speed of 5 m/x. The coefficient of friction between the block and the floor is 0.5.

What are the KE, PE and total energies of the block after sliding 2.0 m?
What is the block's speed after sliding 2.0 m?

I don't recall how to apply friction to velocity in order to do the KE equation.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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f_k=\mu_kn
f_k is the force of kinetic friction. This number will be very important to you proceeding.
\mu_k is the coefficient of kinetic friction
n is the normal force
 
Yes, we found the friction force. Now how do we use that amount to figure out the energies and the final velocity?
 
Welcome to PF!

Yitzach said:
f_k=\mu_kn
f_k is the force of kinetic friction. This number will be very important to you proceeding.
\mu_k is the coefficient of kinetic friction
n is the normal force


Yitzach, you must stop making these unhelpful comments in homework threads.
bradefeld said:
I don't recall how to apply friction to velocity in order to do the KE equation.

Hi bradefeld! Welcome to PF! :smile:

You'll need to use the work-energy theorem … work done = change in energy.

So … what is the work done after 2.0 m ? :wink:
 

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