Calculating Work and Energy in a Block on an Inclined Plane

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating work and energy for a block on an inclined plane, focusing on concepts such as kinetic energy, work done by forces, and the effects of friction and gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of initial kinetic energy, work done by various forces, and the implications of friction on energy calculations. There are attempts to clarify the signs of work done by friction and gravity, as well as discussions on the correct application of formulas.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning each other's calculations and assumptions, particularly regarding initial kinetic energy and the work done by friction. Some guidance has been offered on how to approach the work done by gravity, but no consensus has been reached on the correctness of specific calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential misunderstandings regarding the application of formulas and the interpretation of forces acting on the block, particularly in relation to the incline and the direction of forces.

chazgurl4life
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A 4.6 kg block is pushed 5.6 m up a rough 37° inclined plane by a horizontal force of 75 N. If the initial speed of the block is 2.2 m/s up the plane and a constant kinetic friction force of 25 N opposes the motion, *calculate the following: A) the inital KE of the block
B) the work done by the 75N force
C) The work done by friction force
D) the work done bt gravity.

Now i figured out that a) initial KE = 1/2mv^2=.5(4.6kg)(cos37 degrees)
B) Work done by the 75N= Fdcostheta=75N(5.6m)(cose37)
Now c &d are presenting a problem for me
 
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(a)Your initial kinetic energy is wrong, you don't need to resolve because the velocity is given up the plane.

(c)is simply the energy dissappated due to friction. So it is the frictional force mulitplied by distance
 
actually my initial KE was correct according to my notes but thank you very much..i appreciate it
 
should the wortk done by friction force supposed to be negative because its opposite to going up the plane

if everything works out should work= 25 N (-5.6m)=-140 Joules
 
chazgurl4life said:
actually my initial KE was correct according to my notes but thank you very much..i appreciate it

Well, I'm afraid your notes are wrong. Either that or you've typed the question wrong.
 
chazgurl4life said:
actually my initial KE was correct according to my notes but thank you very much..i appreciate it

Nope, your calculation of initial KE isn't right. I think you should try understanding the concepts, rather than try applying equations from your notes.
 
lol...im sorry made a typo above ...sorry PE= .1/2mv^2 = so its supposed to be Pe=.5(4.6 kg)(2.2 m/s)^2=>11.132 Joules
 
chazgurl4life said:
should the wortk done by friction force supposed to be negative because its opposite to going up the plane

if everything works out should work= 25 N (-5.6m)=-140 Joules
Yep, that's right.
 
than you for your assistance
 
  • #10
How do i figure out the final KE and the work done by normal force?
 
  • #11
chazgurl4life said:
How do i figure out the final KE and the work done by normal force?
The total final KE must be the same as the total starting KE, so:
Starting KE - Work Done by block + Work done on block = Final KE + GPE
 
  • #12
chazgurl4life said:
How do i figure out the final KE and the work done by normal force?

Work done by the normal force is not the same as work done by gravity. I believe the question asks for the work done by gravity.
 
  • #13
so if i have this correct the work done on the block is performed by gravity & fiction and the work done by the block is the 75 N force:
So :
111.132 J -335 J(75cos37degrees) + -140 J( friction)+ Work done by gravity = Final Ke
is this correct
 
  • #14
chazgurl4life said:
so if i have this correct the work done on the block is performed by gravity & fiction and the work done by the block is the 75 N force:
So :
111.132 J -335 J(75cos37degrees) + -140 J( friction)+ Work done by gravity = Final Ke
is this correct

It should read;

11.132 + 5.6\times75\cos 37 - 140J + W_{gravity} = E_{final}

You are giving the block energy when you apply the force, therefore it must be positive.
 
  • #15
is the work done by gravity attributed to mass(distance) * 9.8 or must i include the incline which would make it mgcostheta=Work done by gravity
 
  • #16
Work done by gravity is simply mgh - Force (mg) times distance moved (h)
 
  • #17
hello is anyone there
 

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