Solving for Kinetic Energy on an Inclined Plane

In summary, the 20 kilogram block has a kinetic energy of 1/2 meter per second when it slides down a 10 meter long incline.
  • #1
zelda1850
66
0

Homework Statement



a 20 kilogram block is placed at the top of a 10 meter long inclined plane. the block starts from rest and slides without friction down the length of the incline

determines the kinetic energy of the block just as it reaches the bottom of the incline

Homework Equations



mass = 20 kg
distance = 10 m
height = 10 m

ke = 1/2 mv square

The Attempt at a Solution



is there another equation i can use to solve it?
 
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  • #2
There are two different approaches. One is to start with
energy at the top = energy at the bottom
and use your KE formula for one side of that.

The other is to use accelerated motion formulas to find how fast it is going after falling the given distance.

Is the height given? The question says "a 10 m long inclined plane" but does not give the height or angle of incline. I don't think you can find the answer without knowing the height or angle.
 
  • #3
oh there was a diagram with the question showing that the height was 10m so which equation i can use if i know height?
 
  • #4
what is the other formula?
 
  • #5
The other formula you need is for gravitational potential energy. Do you know it? If so, you can simply use conservation of energy and get the solution.
 
  • #6
gravitational is mgh? is conservation of the energy same formula
 
  • #7
The principle of conservation of energy states that the total energy of a closed system must remain the same at all times. This system is totally isolated, except for gravity, and there is no internal friction. So the total energy of the system is:

[tex]E_T = E_K + E_P[/tex].

Does that help? Don't forget, there is a sign convention to take into account.
 
  • #8
oh so using that forumula kienetic energy should be the same as the gravitational?
 
  • #9
Exactly. Because energy is conserved, the gravitational potential energy lost as it slides down the slope should equal the kinetic energy gained. :)
 

What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is defined as the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its stated velocity.

How is kinetic energy calculated?

Kinetic energy is calculated using the equation KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. This equation shows that the kinetic energy of an object is directly proportional to its mass and the square of its velocity.

What are some examples of kinetic energy?

Some examples of kinetic energy include a moving car, a flying airplane, a swinging pendulum, and a rolling ball. Any object that is in motion possesses kinetic energy.

How is kinetic energy different from potential energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or state. Kinetic energy can be converted into potential energy and vice versa, but they are two distinct forms of energy.

Why is kinetic energy important in science and everyday life?

Kinetic energy is important in science because it is a fundamental concept in understanding the motion of objects. It also plays a crucial role in various scientific principles and equations, such as work and energy. In everyday life, we encounter and utilize kinetic energy in numerous ways, from riding a bike to using electrical appliances.

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