Having trouble finding the horizontal velocity of the object rolling down a ramp

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the horizontal velocity of an object rolling down a ramp, given two heights (5.0m and 3.0m), an initial velocity of 0, and the influence of gravity. Participants also explore the time it takes for the object to fall and the distance it travels horizontally after leaving the ramp.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using energy considerations to determine the object's speed at the end of the ramp and question the need for the ramp's angle or length. Some suggest using kinematic equations but express uncertainty about their applicability to a curved ramp.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches and questioning the assumptions regarding the ramp's shape and the necessity of mass in the calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of energy principles and the implications of friction.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of information regarding the angle or length of the ramp, which is noted as a potential barrier to solving the problem. Participants also mention the context of a work/energy unit, which may influence the methods considered.

yokialana
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Homework Statement


I need to find the horizontal velocity of an object on a ramp where the first height is 5.0m and the second height is 3.0m? I also need to find the time it takes to fall from the ramp, and the distance it falls away from the ramp. I am only given the two heights, an initial velocity of 0, and of course I have gravity.

Homework Equations


ep=mgh
ek=0.5mv2


The Attempt at a Solution


Not sure where to start even.
 
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yokialana said:

Homework Statement


I need to find the horizontal velocity of an object on a ramp where the first height is 5.0m and the second height is 3.0m? I also need to find the time it takes to fall from the ramp, and the distance it falls away from the ramp. I am only given the two heights, an initial velocity of 0, and of course I have gravity.

Homework Equations


ep=mgh
ek=0.5mv2


The Attempt at a Solution


Not sure where to start even.

I can see your dilemma - I think you need the either the angle of, or the length of, the ramp.

It is fine to use energy considerations to calculate how fast the object [presumably sliding down a frictionless ramp] will be traveling when it leaves the lower end of the ramp, but without an angle you are stumped - other than to derive an answer which includes a variable like θ which could represent the angle of the ramp.

I assume frictionless, as any friction would complicate matters, and also assume sliding not rolling, as angular momentum/energy would otherwise affect the answer.
 
Does anybody know if it would work to use the kinematic equation vf2 = vi2 +2ad? I have all the variables to solve for final velocity. But I'm not sutre if it's different because it applies to a curved ramp. Plus this is in the work/energy unit so i don't know why my teacher would want me using that. I'm uber confused. This would be so much easier if I had mass.
 
yokialana said:
Does anybody know if it would work to use the kinematic equation vf2 = vi2 +2ad? I have all the variables to solve for final velocity. But I'm not sutre if it's different because it applies to a curved ramp. Plus this is in the work/energy unit so i don't know why my teacher would want me using that. I'm uber confused. This would be so much easier if I had mass.

Are you saying this ramp is curved?

Does the object leave the ramp traveling horizontally?

You definitely don't need the mass of the object.
 

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