Finding Work done without mass and friction force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a box being dragged down an inclined plane. The problem presents a scenario where the box is moved through a distance of 10.0 m at an angle of 25 degrees, starting from rest and reaching a speed of 3 m/s at the base. Participants are tasked with finding the coefficient of friction, the work done, and the potential energy of the box.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of kinematic equations to find acceleration and the coefficient of friction. There is uncertainty about how to calculate work done without knowing the mass of the box. Questions arise regarding the completeness of the problem statement and the definitions of terms used, such as "coefficient force."

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and attempted to clarify their reasoning, while others have pointed out potential issues with the equations used and the assumptions made. There is a recognition of the need for additional information regarding the forces acting on the box, particularly the dragging force.

Contextual Notes

The problem statement lacks details about the external force applied to drag the box, which complicates the analysis. Participants are also questioning the clarity of the terms used in the problem, particularly regarding the coefficient of friction and the nature of the forces involved.

Ummuali
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Homework Statement


A box was dragged downward from the state of rest through an inclination 10.0 m at an angle of 25 degree. The speed when the box arrived at the base is 3 m/s.

a) what is the coefficient force between the box and the surface?
b) how many work is done to move the box downward and the work done by the friction force of the box?
c) calculate the potential energy of the box.

Homework Equations


1) F net + mg sin 25 (F applied) = µmg cos 25 (F friction)
F net = µmg cos 25 - mg sin 25
ma= µmg cos 25 - mg sin 25
a = µg cos 25 - g sin 25

2) V(final) ^2 = V(initial)^2 + 2ad

3) µ= F friction/ F Normal

The Attempt at a Solution


By using the equation nom 2, I found the acceleration is 0.45 m/s/s (I assumed that initial velocity is 0). Then, I used nom 1 equation and got µ= 0.56.

But I get stuck with the second question. I don't know if we can search the work done without knowing the mass and if I have to find the mass, I totally don't know how.

Please help me. Thank you.
 
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Hello Ummuali, :welcome:

You want to check your answer to a) as well. When I try a = µg cos 25 - g sin 25 I don't get the acceleration you found (correctly).
Could youpost stepsin detail ?
Basically, the equation 1) you use isn't correct: there is an external force (the dragging) you left out ! So F net = µmg cos 25 - mg sin 25 isn't complete.
However, I then end up with two unknowns (the dragging force and µ). Is the problem statement complete ?

Also: in c) what exactly is being asked for ?

--
 
Further to BvU's comments, what do you mean by "coefficient force"? Do you mean coefficient of (kinetic) friction, or frictional force?
 
Owh, haha something could be wrong with my equ. However, this is my trial:

1) V(f)²= V(o)² + 2ad
3²= 0² + 2 (a)(10)
9= 20a
0.45 =a

So, a= 0.45 m/s/s

2)

μ = Ffriction/ Fnormal OR μ*Fnormal= Ffriction

Fnet in x-axis:
Ffriction - mg sin 25= ma
(Ffriction - mg sin 25) ÷ m = a

Fnet in y-axis:
Fnormal - mg cos 25 = ma
Fnormal - mg cos 25 = m (0) -since there is no acceleration in upward direction
Fnormal - mg cos 25 = 0

Subtitute these 3 equations;

(Ffriction - mg sin 25) ÷ m = a
( μ*Fnormal - mg sin 25) ÷ m = a
(μ*mg cos 25 - mg sin 25) ÷ m = a
μg cos 25 - g sin 25 = a -cut all m off
μ(9.8) (0.91) - (9.8) (0.42) = 0.45
μ 8.9 - 4.12 = 0.45
μ = (0.45 + 4.12) ÷ 8.9
μ=0.51

Value differ because of decimals. =)

The problem statement only give the value of angle, velocity when it reach the base of the inclined plane (which at first, it is in the state of rest), the displacement (how long does the box traveled through the plane). About question C, I'll try to confirm back.

Please correct me.
 
Two problems with that.
As BvU already pointed out, the problem statement says the box is dragged down the slope, not that it slides down under gravity. This implies the presence of another force, but that force is not given and does not appear in your equations.
The other problem is your ##\Sigma F=ma## equation for movement parallel to the plane. Which way does it accelerate? Which force(s) act in that direction and which oppose it?
 

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