Energy Conservation Problem W/Ramp

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving an energy conservation problem involving a 1.8 kg block sliding down a frictionless ramp. The block starts from a height of 1.5 m and exits the ramp at a height of 0.20 m, with the goal of determining the horizontal distance d it travels after leaving the ramp. The correct approach involves equating gravitational potential energy at the top of the ramp to kinetic energy at the bottom, leading to the equation v = √(2g(1.5 - 0.2)). The calculated velocity at the bottom of the ramp is approximately 5.4249 m/s, which is essential for determining the horizontal distance using projectile motion equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations for projectile motion
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Knowledge of the concept of frictionless surfaces in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the conservation of mechanical energy in physics
  • Learn how to apply kinematic equations for projectile motion
  • Explore the effects of varying ramp heights on projectile motion outcomes
  • Investigate real-world applications of energy conservation in engineering
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Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding energy conservation and projectile motion principles.

kmj9k
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Hi, I've been struggling with this problem and would appreciate any help:

A 1.8 kg block slides down a frictionless ramp, as shown in Figure 8-28. The top of the ramp is 1.5 m above the ground; the bottom of the ramp is h = 0.20 m above the ground. The block leaves the ramp moving horizontally, and lands a horizontal distance d away. Find the distance d.

Now, I set the mechanical energy at the top of the ramp equal to the mechanical energy at the bottom of the ramp. Using that equation, I found the velocity of the block at the bottom of the ramp.

From there, I used kinematic equations to find the time it took for the box to fall, with a being g. Then, I used the time to find x. I kept on getting 1.1 m, but the answer is supposed to be 1.02 m. What am I doing wrong?? Thank you in advance!
 
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What is your equation for finding the velocity at the bottom of the ramp?

And what is your equation for find how far it travels?

Your method is right, you probably have an algebraic error
 
My equation was mgh = (1/2)mv^2, where v = the square root of 2gh. I got 5.4249 m/s. And then for the second part, even if you didn't find the time t, couldn't you also just use the kinematic equations for projectile motion at zero degrees? ie, x= initial V* square root of (2h)/g ?
 
kmj9k said:
My equation was mgh = (1/2)mv^2, where v = the square root of 2gh. I got 5.4249 m/s. And then for the second part, even if you didn't find the time t, couldn't you also just use the kinematic equations for projectile motion at zero degrees? ie, x= initial V* square root of (2h)/g ?

You got the velocity wrong. (Hint: v = \sqrt{2g(1.5-0.2)})
 

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