Conservation of energy (true or false)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the conservation of energy and related concepts in physics, particularly focusing on work, forces, and motion. Participants are examining statements regarding the work done by forces and the implications for kinetic energy in various scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of several statements related to work and energy, with some suggesting that certain statements are false based on their understanding of physics principles. There is a focus on the implications of forces acting on objects and the conditions under which work is done.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing uncertainty about the correctness of their interpretations. Some have provided reasoning for their views, while others are seeking clarification on specific statements. There is no clear consensus yet, and multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for discussion. There is a noted need for correction and validation of the statements presented.

jumptheair
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Homework Statement



1.Consider a train that pulls a wagon. By Newton's third law, the wagon pulls on the train with an equal opposite force, therefore the work done by the train must be zero.

2.Negative net work done on an object always reduces the object's kinetic energy.

3.Two identical masses are placed on frictionless slopes at identical heights. The first slope makes an angle of 30deg with respect to the horizontal; the second slope makes an angle of 40deg. Both balls are released simultaneously. At the bottom of the slope, both balls have the same speed.

4.If the work done on an object by a force is zero, then either the force or the displacement must have zero magnitude.

5.The formula W=F d cos theta can be used only if the force is constant over the distance d.

Homework Equations



Conservation of Energy

The Attempt at a Solution



At least one of these are wrong. I don't know which one(s)
Please check and correct me. Thanks

1.False
2.False
3.False, (because mgx changes due to the difference in angle. Since f=ma, acceleration will not be the same.)
4.False, (it may be the direction that makes the W=0, for example an object falling where force nor displacement is zero but W=0.)
5.True
 
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jumptheair said:
At least one of these are wrong. I don't know which one(s)
Please check and correct me. Thanks

1.False
2.False
3.False, (because mgx changes due to the difference in angle. Since f=ma, acceleration will not be the same.)
4.False, (it may be the direction that makes the W=0, for example an object falling where force nor displacement is zero but W=0.)
5.True

3 is True. Gravity is a conservative force. All that matters is the change in height, not how you get there. So slope one will make the ball travel longer, but it will still have the same speed as ball 2. Now, the two balls will NOT get there at the same time, but when they do get there, they will have the same speed.

4 is True. Work is done by the Earth to pull the object in. W = F * D. F = gravity, D is how much it falls by.
 
Arr.. still wrong.. help is still needed
 
Last edited:
Why would 1. and 2. be false? Or are they true? HELP!
 

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