Energy conservation of a sliding block

AI Thread Summary
An 8.77-kg block slides down a 28.5° ramp with an initial speed of 1.58 m/s and a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.69. The normal force was calculated as 75.6079 N, and the frictional force was determined to be 52.169 N. The initial energy was computed using kinetic energy, while the final energy was expressed in terms of gravitational potential energy and distance. The discussion revealed confusion regarding the application of energy conservation principles and the correct placement of distance in the equations. Ultimately, the need to account for the angle of the incline to find the correct distance traveled was emphasized.
simmonj7
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Homework Statement


An 8.77-kg block slides with an initial speed of 1.58 m/s down a ramp inclined at an angle of 28.5° with the horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the ramp is 0.69. Use energy conservation to find the distance the block slides before coming to rest.



Homework Equations


E = U + K
Non conservative force = E final - E intial


The Attempt at a Solution



So I first calculated the normal force by doing N = mg cos 28.5 and found that the normal was 75.6079 N.
Then, I knew the frictional force was equal to \mu times the normal vector so I computed that and found that this force was equal to 52.169 N.

Now I calculated E final and E initial. I figured E initial would be (1/2)mv^{2} (U would equal 0 because d=0 initially) where v is in initial velocity stated in the problem and got that this equaled 10.9467. I figured E final would be mgd where d is the final distance we are solving for (K equals 0 because the final velocity is zero since it comes to rest) so I got this equaled 86.0337d.

Then I figured since the frictional force is the non conservative force, I would set that equal to the final energy minus the initial energy so I would get 52.169 = 86.0337d - 10.9467 so I get d = .734.

However, this apparently isn't even close to the right answer. Where am I going wrong? Any help please?
 
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Wnc is (mu)(normal)(d)

Why is your d in the Efinal term? It should be in your first term.

D=(86.03-10.95)/52.169
 
simmonj7 said:
2. Homework Equations

Non conservative force = E final - E intial
This equation is wrong. The difference of energy is work or energy, not force.
 
I now see that I copied that equation wrong. I did compute the work of the frictional force not just the force and I still have the wrong answer.

But no d should not be in my E initial because at the initial point the object has not moved. Hence the distance is zero.
 
Last edited:
And the equation you provided for d is also no where near the correct answer, panchoman.
 
Ok so I think I get it...
Is it that the d I just solved for is the vertical distance so I need to use my angle to solve for the distance it moved down the incline?
 
The initial energy is 1/2 mv02 if you count the potential energy from the top of the slope. What is the final potential energy then?

ehild
 
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