How do I calculate work in two-dimensions and find the final velocity and time?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating work in a two-dimensional context, specifically addressing the relationship between force, distance, and resulting velocity and time. Participants are examining the implications of different distance values provided in the problem statement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate work using force components and distance, while questioning the validity of the distance values (40m vs. 15m) mentioned in the problem. Some suggest the use of the law of cosines related to the angle of the slope.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their calculations and interpretations. There is recognition of potential discrepancies in the problem statement, and some guidance has been offered regarding significant figures in the calculations. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the correct distance to use in calculations, as the problem statement presents conflicting information. Participants are also considering the implications of significant figures based on the provided data.

Edel Crine
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Homework Statement
Starting from rest, an intern pushes a 45-kg gurney 40 m down the hall with a constant force of 80 N directed downward at an angle of 35° with respect to the horizontal.
(a) What is the work done by the intern on the gurney during the 15-m trip?
(b) How fast is the gurney going when it has moved 15 m?
(c) How much time elapses during the 15-m journey? Ignore friction.
Relevant Equations
W=F*x
I'm not sure that does the given distance represent "x" direction? If so, I did...

a) Fx = 80N * cos(35°) = 65.53N
W = F*Δx = 65.53N * (15m) = 982.98 J

b) k = 982.98 J = 1/2 (m)(v2)
v = (√2k/m) = 6.6 m/s

c) vf = vi + at

a = F/m = 1.46 m/s2

t = (vf-vi)/a = 4.54 sec

But I'm not sure for I got... h
 
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The problem statement says 40m, but then asks about 15m. Which is it?
 
haruspex said:
The problem statement says 40m, but then asks about 15m. Which is it?
Well, the problem statement said 40m, but subproblems said 15m, so I think we need to solve it by 15m?
 
I think that the problem may be hinting at the law of cosines regarding the 35° slope.
 
sysprog said:
I think that the problem may be hinting at the law of cosines with respect to the 35° slope.
yeah, I think so too and that's how I did...?
 
Edel Crine said:
Well, the problem statement said 40m, but subproblems said 15m, so I think we need to solve it by 15m?
Sounds to me like a recycled problem. The question setter failed to update all the parts.
You have answered correctly for 15m, except that you quote too many significant figures. The given data only provides two.
 
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Edel Crine said:
yeah, I think so too and that's how I did...?
It looks that way to me, but I think that @haruspex and others here are more expert on this than I am .
 
haruspex said:
Sounds to me like a recycled problem. The question setter failed to update all the parts.
You have answered correctly for 15m, except that you quote too many significant figures. The given data only provides two.
Oh yes, I almost forgot about it...hh 'Appreciate!
 
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sysprog said:
It looks that way to me, but I think that @haruspex and others here are more expert on this than I am .
You are good! I appreciate every comment from you hh
 
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