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

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of gravel ramps on mountain roads to stop trucks that have lost their brakes. It then poses a problem where a 15,000kg truck hits one of these ramps at 35m/s with a 6 degree incline and a coefficient of friction of 0.40. The question asks to find the distance the truck travels along the ramp using work and energy equations. The conversation then suggests using trigonometry to solve for the distance by setting up equations involving the distance, height, and angle of the ramp.
  • #1
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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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  • #2
You can use trigonometry to solve for the distance. Recall that [itex] d^{2} = x^{2} + h^{2} [/itex] and that [itex] x = d cos \theta[/itex] [itex]h = d sin \theta [/itex] . Once you find either x or h you can solve for d.
 

1. What is the cause of friction on an inclined plane?

Friction on an inclined plane is caused by the roughness and irregularities of the surfaces in contact, as well as intermolecular forces between the two surfaces.

2. How does the angle of the incline affect the friction force?

As the angle of the incline increases, the friction force also increases. This is because the component of the weight parallel to the incline increases, resulting in a greater normal force and thus a greater friction force.

3. Can friction be completely eliminated on an inclined plane?

No, friction cannot be completely eliminated on an inclined plane. Even with a smooth surface and low angle of incline, there will still be some amount of friction present due to the nature of surfaces in contact.

4. How does the mass of an object affect the friction force on an inclined plane?

The mass of an object does not directly affect the friction force on an inclined plane. However, a heavier object may experience a greater normal force, resulting in a greater friction force.

5. Is there a way to reduce friction on an inclined plane?

Yes, there are several ways to reduce friction on an inclined plane. These include using a smoother surface, decreasing the angle of incline, and using lubricants to reduce the roughness and intermolecular forces between surfaces.

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