Find speed using the work-energy theorem

Click For Summary
A 96-kg crate is pulled with a constant force of 350 N across a frictionless surface for 15 m, followed by a surface with a coefficient of friction of 0.25 for another 15 m. The work-energy theorem is applied to find the final speed, first calculating the speed at the end of the frictionless section as approximately 10.458 m/s. The presence of friction in the second section reduces the crate's speed, leading to a calculated final speed of 5.98 m/s. The discussion highlights confusion regarding the application of forces and energy changes during the transition from frictionless to frictional movement. The correct final speed is derived from considering both work done and frictional forces.
Calpalned
Messages
297
Reaction score
6

Homework Statement


A 96-kg crate, starting from rest, is pulled across a floor with a constant horizontal force of 350 N. For the first 15 m the floor is frictionless, and for the next 15 m the coefficient of friction is 0.25. What is the final speed of the crate?

Homework Equations


Work energy theorem ##\Delta W = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2 - \frac{1}{2}mv_0^2 ##

The Attempt at a Solution


- First I'll calculate the speed at the end of the first fifteen meters (when there is no acceleration).
##F \cdot d = (350)(15) = 5250 = ## work
##= \Delta E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2 - \frac{1}{2}mv_0^2 ##
Because the initial velocity is zero, we see that ## = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2 ##
##10500 = mv^2 ## so ##v_f = 10.458 ## m/s.

- Now I'll calculate the answer (speed at 30 meters of displacement).
Due to the presence of friction, kinetic and potential energies are not the only energies present.
##E_K + E_P + E_f = ## where the subscript f refers to friction
##\frac{1}{2}mv_0^2+mgh+F_N\mu kl = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2+mgh+F_N\mu kl ##
##v_0 = 10.458##
##5250+0+0 = \frac {1}{2}mv_f^2 + 0 + 3528 ##
##v_f = 5.98## m/s
The correct answer is twice what I got. What did I do wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
(There is acceleration during the first 15 m... there is no friction, however.)
During the next 15m, is it still being pulled by that same applied force of 350N?
 
Calpalned said:

Homework Statement


A 96-kg crate, starting from rest, is pulled across a floor with a constant horizontal force of 350 N. For the first 15 m the floor is frictionless, and for the next 15 m the coefficient of friction is 0.25. What is the final speed of the crate?

Homework Equations


Work energy theorem ##\Delta W = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2 - \frac{1}{2}mv_0^2 ##

The Attempt at a Solution


- First I'll calculate the speed at the end of the first fifteen meters (when there is no acceleration).
##F \cdot d = (350)(15) = 5250 = ## work
##= \Delta E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2 - \frac{1}{2}mv_0^2 ##
Because the initial velocity is zero, we see that ## = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2 ##
##10500 = mv^2 ## so ##v_f = 10.458 ## m/s.

- Now I'll calculate the answer (speed at 30 meters of displacement).
Due to the presence of friction, kinetic and potential energies are not the only energies present.
##E_K + E_P + E_f = ## where the subscript f refers to friction
##\frac{1}{2}mv_0^2+mgh+F_N\mu kl = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2+mgh+F_N\mu kl ##
##v_0 = 10.458##
##5250+0+0 = \frac {1}{2}mv_f^2 + 0 + 3528 ##
##v_f = 5.98## m/s
The correct answer is twice what I got. What did I do wrong?

##W = W_1 + W_2 ##

W_1 (first 15 meters) and W_2 (second 15 meters)

## W=\Delta E_K=\frac{1}{2}m v_f^2## (given that v_0 = 0 )

So:

##\frac{1}{2}mv_f^2=W_1 + W_2 = F.d + (F-R).d##

Being ##m=96, F=350, d=15, R=0.25*m*9.8##So you have:

##v_f = \sqrt{\frac{2(2F-R)d}{m}}##
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
792