Calculating Work: Pushing a Block Up a Frictionless Incline

[featherua08]

Homework Statement

How much work is required to push a 25-kg block up 2m up a frictionless 30 degree incline at a constant speed?

Homework Equations

W=F(delta X) ; W=(F cos theta)(delta X)

The Attempt at a Solution

I did n=mg -- n=(25)(9.8)=245 & that is the correct answer..but I don't understand how.

 

[Snazzy]

Well, by coincidence you didn't factor in the angle and still go the right answer.

Start off by having a coordinate plane that is parallel to the incline of the ramp. Figure out what component of the total weight (mg) you are pushing up the ramp and by what distance.

 

[featherua08]

I don't think I understand what you mean. The distance is 2m and wouldn't the total weight simply be the weight of the block?