Find speed using the work-energy theorem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the final speed of a 96-kg crate being pulled by a constant horizontal force of 350 N across a surface with varying friction. Initially, the crate accelerates over a frictionless distance of 15 meters, achieving a speed of 10.458 m/s. Upon entering a 15-meter section with a coefficient of friction of 0.25, the final speed is recalculated to be 5.98 m/s, considering the work-energy theorem and the effects of friction. The correct approach involves using the equation v_f = √((2(2F - R)d)/m) to account for both work done and frictional forces.

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  • Understanding of the work-energy theorem
  • Knowledge of basic physics concepts such as force, mass, and acceleration
  • Familiarity with friction coefficients and their impact on motion
  • Ability to perform calculations involving kinetic energy and work done
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  • Learn about frictional forces and how to calculate them in different scenarios
  • Explore advanced problems involving multiple forces and energy transformations
  • Investigate the effects of varying coefficients of friction on motion
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Calpalned
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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?
 
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(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}}##
 

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