Gravity's Work on Mass Sliding Down Incline at 35 Degrees

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 50 kg mass sliding down an incline at a 35-degree angle. The original poster seeks to determine the work done by gravity on the mass as it descends a ramp of 2.0 meters, while also considering the effects of kinetic friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the work done by gravity using various equations but questions their accuracy after receiving feedback from a teacher. Another participant suggests applying conservation of energy or the work-energy theorem, indicating a shift in approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods to approach the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of energy principles, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or outcome yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the values used for gravitational acceleration, which may affect the calculations. There is also mention of the coefficient of kinetic friction being zero in a follow-up question, indicating varying conditions being considered.

._|evo|_.
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Homework Statement


A 50 kg mass is released from rest and begins to slide from the top of the incline (2.0 m). Th coefficient of kinetic friction between the mass and the inclines u

how much work does gravity do on the mass by the time it slides to the bottom of the ramp if the angle theta is 35 degrees?


Homework Equations


W = f x d

F = m x a

W = (m x a) x d

The Attempt at a Solution



First i found each following value:

m = 50

d = 2.0/sin(35 degrees)

a = 9.81 x sin(35 degrees)

Multiplied these all out, came with 981.

The answer the teacher says is 980 (he's a stickler to exact measurements)

something i did wrong?
 
Last edited:
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Second question:

What is the speed of the mass by the time it slides to the bottom of the ramp if theta is 35 degrees, and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the mass and the incline is zero?

Related equations:

Um, not sure. Kinda stuck on this part lol.

Attempt:

Can't attempt without a solution.
 
Last edited:
._|evo|_. said:
Multiplied these all out, came with 981.

The answer the teacher says is 980 (he's a stickler to exact measurements)

something i did wrong?

The teacher used g=9.8 instead of g=9.81. Maybe, he lives on an other place on the Earth than you. :wink:


ehild
 
Apply conservation of energy (there is no friction) or the work-energy theorem. You know the work of gravity already.

ehild
 

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