How to Calculate Distance on an Inclined Plane Using Work and Energy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance a 15,000 kg truck travels on a 6-degree inclined ramp after losing its brakes, using work and energy principles. The truck's initial speed is 35 m/s, with a coefficient of friction of 0.40. Key equations include gravitational potential energy (U = m*g*h), kinetic energy (K = 1/2 m*v²), and work (W = F*d). The solution involves using trigonometric relationships to find the height (h) and horizontal distance (x) to ultimately solve for the total distance (d) traveled along the ramp.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their applications
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of gravitational potential energy in physics
  • Learn about kinetic energy and its calculations
  • Explore the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Practice solving problems involving inclined planes and friction
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in applying work and energy principles to real-world scenarios, particularly in mechanics involving inclined planes.

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Homework Statement


On Mountain roads, ramps of gravel are constructed to allow trucks that have lost their brakes to come to a stop. Suppose a 15,000kg truck hits one of these ramps at 35m/s. The incline of the ramp is 6 degrees and the coeffiecent of friction is 0.40.
By using work and energy it is asked to find the distance the truck travels along a ramp.


Homework Equations


U=m*g*h
K= 1/2 m*v2
W=F*d


The Attempt at a Solution



I calculated K to be -9187500 and U to be 147150*h
W= ΔK + ΔU
Then tired to use W=F*d cos6
But got stuck with that height.
I can't use trig fuctions to find my h because the distance is what I am trying to find...
 
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You can use trigonometry to solve for the distance. Recall that d^{2} = x^{2} + h^{2} and that x = d cos \theta h = d sin \theta . Once you find either x or h you can solve for d.
 

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