The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block released from a wedge and the subsequent calculations of the wedge's velocity and height. The subject area includes concepts of momentum and energy conservation in mechanics.
The discussion includes attempts to clarify the physics principles involved, with some participants providing guidance on using conservation laws. There are ongoing questions about specific terms and their implications in the equations presented.
Participants are navigating through the assumptions related to the system's setup, including the frictionless nature of the surfaces and the definitions of point sources in relation to the inverse square law.
1. Use conservation of momentum:MV+mv=0.imdiskid06 said:A small block of mass .5kg is released form rest at the top of a curved-shaped frictionless wedge of mass 3 kg , which sits on a frictionless horizontal surfces. When the block leaves the wedge, its velocity is 4 m/s to the right. Find the velocity of the wedge after the block reaches the horizontal surface. What is the height of the wedge?
That answers your question.Meir Achuz said:You may be so close to the bulb that it no longer looks like a point source.
That would be if distance were not large compared with the radius of the bulb.
Why is it 2mgH?Meir Achuz said:1. Use conservation of momentum:MV+mv=0.
2. Use conservation of energy:MV^2+mv^2=2mgH.