Can You Solve This Physics Problem on Kinetic and Potential Energy?

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The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem related to kinetic and potential energy involving two masses on an inclined plane. The initial calculations for parts (c), (d), and (e) were incorrect, leading to confusion about the relationships between changes in kinetic and potential energy. The correct approach for part (c) involves calculating the potential energy changes for both masses and finding the total change, which was clarified to be -45.08 J. For part (d), the change in kinetic energy should be derived from the energy conservation principle, considering the system is frictionless. Participants emphasize the need for accurate calculations and understanding the relationships between energy types to solve the problem correctly.
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c, d, and e I don't know how to solve

For d I tried doing

vf2 = vi2 +2ad
Vf = √(2*9.8*2.3) = 6.71 m/s

Assuming the inclined plane is frictionless
Since m2 is roped to m1, it's velocity up the ramp will be 6.71m/s too

The total increase in KE is then 0.5[8+6]*6.71^2 = 315.16 J

^

"INCORRECT"

Right now I need a genius to tell me how to get the answer ASAP -.-

Since (d) is wrong, so is e. -.-
Story of my life.
 
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riseofphoenix said:
Help.png


c, d, and e I don't know how to solve

For d I tried doing

vf2 = vi2 +2ad
Vf = √(2*9.8*2.3) = 6.71 m/s

Assuming the inclined plane is frictionless
Since m2 is roped to m1, it's velocity up the ramp will be 6.71m/s too

The total increase in KE is then 0.5[8+6]*6.71^2 = 315.16 J

^

"INCORRECT"

Right now I need a genius to tell me how to get the answer ASAP -.-

Since (d) is wrong, so is e. -.-
Story of my life.

For (c), how did you get that number? Isn't it just the sum of the two ΔU values?
 


berkeman said:
For (c), how did you get that number? Isn't it just the sum of the two ΔU values?

m1 falls 2.3m and therefore has -6*9.8*2.3 = -135.24 J difference.

m2's PE increases 8*9.8*sin 30° = +39.2 J difference.

The total change then is 39.2 - 135.24 = -96.04 J

^ That was my previous answers, but I got that wrong too...
So I'm pretty much screwed.
 


riseofphoenix said:
m1 falls 2.3m and therefore has -6*9.8*2.3 = -135.24 J difference.

m2's PE increases 8*9.8*sin 30° = +39.2 J difference.

The total change then is 39.2 - 135.24 = -96.04 J

^ That was my previous answers, but I got that wrong too...
So I'm pretty much screwed.

You left off the 2.3 for m2...
 


berkeman said:
You left off the 2.3 for m2...

(c)

m1 falls 2.3m and therefore has -6*9.8*2.3 = -135.24 J difference.

m2's PE increases 8*9.8*sin 30°*2.3 = +90.16 J difference.

The total change then is 90.16 - 135.24 = -45.08 J

Ok so how does this relate to part d and e though? How would I solve for those two last ones?

(d)

(e)
 


riseofphoenix said:
(c)

m1 falls 2.3m and therefore has -6*9.8*2.3 = -135.24 J difference.

m2's PE increases 8*9.8*sin 30°*2.3 = +90.16 J difference.

The total change then is 90.16 - 135.24 = -45.08 J

Ok so how does this relate to part d and e though? How would I solve for those two last ones?

(d)

(e)

(d) asks for the change in KE. Since the system is frictionless...
 


berkeman said:
(d) asks for the change in KE. Since the system is frictionless...

But I already tried solving for it and i got it wrong... (??)
 


riseofphoenix said:
But I already tried solving for it and i got it wrong... (??)

But you had the wrong answer for (c) before. Now you have that right.

What is the total energy of a system in terms of the potential and kinetic energies? If the system is lossless (no friction), what can you say about the total energy over time...?
 


berkeman said:
But you had the wrong answer for (c) before. Now you have that right.

What is the total energy of a system in terms of the potential and kinetic energies? If the system is lossless (no friction), what can you say about the total energy over time...?

KEinitial + PEinitial = KEfinal + PEfinal
KEinitial + PEinitial = 0 + 0 (No friction)
KEinitial + PEinitial = 0?
 
  • #10


riseofphoenix said:
KEinitial + PEinitial = KEfinal + PEfinal
KEinitial + PEinitial = 0 + 0 (No friction)
KEinitial + PEinitial = 0?

Rearrange so you show the relationship between ΔKE and ΔPE...
 
  • #11


KE = -PE
KE = -mv?
 
  • #12


riseofphoenix said:
KE = -PE
KE = -mv?

If you put Δs in front of your first equation, you would be on the right track...
 
  • #13


Consider the total energy over time which is a constant. Hence change in PE must balance out change in KE. The rest is obvious.
 
  • #14


As for (e) consider that you have a final change in KE, as well as the masses. You can now plug that into solve for velocity.
 
  • #15


Oops, Looks like riseofphoenix is on a temporary vacation from the PF for a different thread.
 
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