Car moving up Inclined Plane question

In summary, the conversation discusses calculating work done by a force, with consideration for potential energy, change in kinetic energy, and energy lost to friction. The speaker is unsure how to calculate the energy lost to friction and whether it needs to be in a specific form, such as heat. They also mention that the energy expended will likely end up as heat, but it is not relevant to the calculation.
  • #1
Ronaldo95163
77
1
My question and attempted solution are in the pics below...not sure if what I did was correct though :/

I was thinking that the work done would have been equal to PE+Change in KE + Energy Lost to friction...but not sure how to calculate the energy lost to friction as I'm not sure if it has to be calculated in a specific form eg heat
 

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  • #2
Work performed by a force = magnitude of the force x distance moved in the precise direction of that force. The energy expended will probably mostly end up as heat, but that is not important here.
 

FAQ: Car moving up Inclined Plane question

1. How does the angle of the inclined plane affect the car's motion?

The steeper the angle of the inclined plane, the more force is required to move the car up the incline. This is because the component of the car's weight that acts parallel to the surface of the incline increases as the angle increases.

2. What is the relationship between the weight of the car and its speed on the inclined plane?

The weight of the car affects its speed on the inclined plane because it determines the force of gravity pulling the car down the incline. The greater the weight, the more force is needed to overcome gravity and move the car up the incline, resulting in a slower speed.

3. How does friction impact the car's movement on the inclined plane?

Friction between the car's wheels and the surface of the incline can slow down the car's motion. This is because friction acts in the opposite direction of motion, creating a resistance force that must be overcome by the car's engine.

4. What happens to the car's potential and kinetic energy as it moves up the inclined plane?

The car's potential energy increases as it moves up the incline, since it is gaining height and therefore, gravitational potential energy. As the car gains height, its kinetic energy decreases, since it is losing speed due to the incline and friction.

5. Does the mass of the car affect its motion on the inclined plane?

Yes, the mass of the car affects its motion on the inclined plane. A heavier car will require more force to move up the incline, and will therefore have a slower speed compared to a lighter car with the same force applied.

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