Calculating Mechanical Energy Lost Due to Friction on Inclined Plane

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the mechanical energy lost due to friction as a box slides down a rough inclined plane. The box's mass, initial height, and speeds at the top and bottom of the incline are provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy at different points of the incline. Questions arise about whether to calculate kinetic energy for both speeds or to use potential energy in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints regarding the energy calculations, suggesting the use of kinetic and potential energy formulas. There appears to be a progression in understanding, with some participants confirming their calculations and results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply.

Amel
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Ok so the rpoblem is A 2.20kg box slides down a rough incline plane from a height h of 1.63m. The box had a speed of 2.33m/s at the top and a speed of 1.90m/s at the bottom. Calculate the mechanical energy lost due to friction (as heat, etc.).

and I am not sure where to even begin with this one. its my last problem I need to finish.
 
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At the top you have kinetic energy and potential energy.
At the bottom you have kinetic energy.
The difference is energy lost to friction

hint work (energy) = force * distance
 
So do you do (1/2)mv^2 for both speeds? and find the difference?

or do you use mgh= PE
 
Ok thanks I got it right.
 
Both
do the 1/2 mv^2 for the KE at each end, then take off the 'mgh' the stuff that's left must have gone to friction
 
Yeah I got it. mgh is PE and .5mv^2 is KE at the top then you have .5mv^2 at the bottom and find the difference. got 3.72e+01 J. and it was right.
 

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