Calculating Mechanical Energy Lost on Slide for 25.0 kg Child

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 25.0 kg child sliding down a playground slide, starting from a height of 19.00 m and reaching a height of 6.00 m with a speed of 9.10 m/s. The goal is to calculate the mechanical energy lost due to friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the concepts of potential and kinetic energy, with some questioning the application of conservation of energy principles. There is mention of calculating energy differences and ensuring all forms of energy are considered.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen various attempts to approach the problem, with some participants providing guidance on applying conservation of energy. There is an indication that multiple interpretations of the energy calculations are being explored, and one participant claims to have found the answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of energy conservation in the presence of friction, and there is a suggestion that prior understanding of energy concepts is necessary for tackling the problem effectively.

Sumbhajee
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Homework Statement


A 25.0 kg child slides down a long slide in a playground. She starts from rest at a height h1 of 19.00 m. When she is partway down the slide, at a height h2 of 6.00 m, she is moving at a speed of 9.10 m/s. Calculate the mechanical energy lost due to friction (as heat, etc.).
http://schubert.tmcc.edu/enc/81/eb6d48e17d7ac6da6bcc155569197bc91de6184725281bb9c7a8766b6518bc88bed47674ecdc931377509dc0eb7e26d7db2890f53e24b7f2d99a7111ddfa3536dc35b6f684771013136fcdf8150697ebc0e216fcb068cc8874c532077ab9fdb93e14da5cdf2b76ec.gif


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


This question has something to do with change in potential energy and kinetic energy, but i am not sure where to go.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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You are not showing any attempt. Before attempting the problems of this type, you must have gone through conservation of energy in freely falling body. Why don't you apply that?
 
I have found potential energy at the top of the system (Pe=mgy). I have also found kinetic energy at the lower point (Ke=.5mv^2). It would make sense to take the difference, but I have already tried this method.
 
Without friction, total energy is conserved. Which means the sum of your kinetic and potential energies should be equal at any two points taken. Are you sure you're including all forms of energy for the second point?
 
I was able to find the answer! Thanks for the tips!
 

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