Calculating Work and Potential Energy of a Block

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating work and potential energy related to a block on an incline, specifically focusing on determining the coefficient of friction between two wooden surfaces. Participants are exploring the relationships between force, distance, mass, and height in the context of physics problems involving energy and friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equations for work done by an applied force and gain in potential energy, questioning the completeness of the provided information. Some express confusion regarding the initial and final conditions necessary for the calculations, while others seek clarification on the definitions and applications of the formulas involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify the problem and share their calculations. Some have provided partial calculations, while others are asking for more details about the original question and the calculations performed. There is a recognition of missing information that could help in guiding the discussion further.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster has not provided the full question or detailed calculations, which may hinder the ability to assist effectively. There is also mention of the original poster feeling overwhelmed by the material and the formulas involved.

emscare
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work done by the applied force
work = force x distance = ? in joules

gain in potential energy of the block
mass x change in height

(work done by force - gain in potential energy) / (MG cos angle)


the mass of my block was 0.3389kg
mass x 9.81 = 3.324609

distance of 214.60 cm

veritcal height og 0.6425m
 
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welcome to pf!

hi emscare! welcome to pf! :smile:

there seems to be something missing from the question … perhaps an initial and final velocity? :confused:

what exactly is the whole question?​
 


basically I am trying to find the coefficient of fricition between two wooden surfaces but I am struggeling with the equation :-)
 
show us your full calculations, and then we'll see what went wrong, and we'll know how to help! :smile:
 


co-efficient of friction (µ) = F/R

F is work done by the applied force - gain in potential energy
R is mass x gravity x cos (angle of incline)

I calculated work done by the applied force by: force x distance where the force = mass x 9.81

I calculated gain in potential energy by mass x height of ramp

*both above are in joules

my answer should be around 1.2
 


what am i missing :? this is way above anything iv been taught and the formula isn't explained well on google :(
 
emscare said:
what am i missing :?

erm :redface:

you haven't told us what the full question is,

and you haven't shown any of your actual calculations! :rolleyes:
 


working attached as picture
 

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the full question is what is the coeffiecent of friction between the two surfaces
 
  • #10
i don't understand :confused:
 
  • #11


Post Question: If the coeffiencent of friction is F/R, what do you substitute into find F and R?

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has anybody come across this formula before?

is there another way to calculate the gain in potential energy
 
  • #12


how do i delete this?
 

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