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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the work done by gravity on a 50 kg mass sliding down a 2.0 m incline at a 35-degree angle. The calculations involve using the formula W = f x d, where the force is derived from the mass and acceleration due to gravity. The participant initially calculated the work as 981 J, while the teacher provided the correct answer of 980 J, attributed to using g = 9.8 m/s² instead of 9.81 m/s². Additionally, the discussion touches on determining the speed of the mass at the bottom of the ramp, emphasizing the application of the conservation of energy or the work-energy theorem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of work and energy
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine
  • Basic grasp of kinematics and frictionless motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Study the effects of friction on inclined planes
  • Explore the conservation of energy principles in physics
  • Investigate the differences between gravitational acceleration values in various locations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to work, energy, and motion on inclined planes.

._|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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