Calculating Work and Potential Energy of a Block

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating work and potential energy to determine the coefficient of friction between two wooden surfaces. The user has provided their block's mass, distance, and height but is struggling with the calculations and the overall question. Key formulas mentioned include work done by the applied force and gain in potential energy, both expressed in joules. Participants emphasize the need for complete calculations and clarification of the full question to assist effectively. The user is seeking guidance on substituting values into the coefficient of friction formula and exploring alternative methods for calculating potential energy.
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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