How Do You Calculate Gravitational Potential Energy on an Inclined Plane?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the gravitational potential energy (GPE) of a 50.0 kg carton on an inclined plane, the height gained must be determined using the angle of the incline. The formula for GPE is ep = mgh, where 'm' is mass, 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity, and 'h' is the height. For a 15.0º incline and a 3.00 m plank, the vertical height can be found using h = 3.00 m * sin(15º). The discussion highlights that a steeper incline, like 30º, results in a greater height gain compared to a 15º incline. Understanding the relationship between the angle and height is crucial for accurately calculating GPE.
dance_sg
Messages
113
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 50.0 kg carton is dragged up a low-friction plank onto the back of the truck. The length of the plank is 3.00 m and it makes an angle of 15.0º with the ground. With respect to the bottom of the plank, the gravitational potential energy of the carton on the truck is


Homework Equations


ep=mgh


The Attempt at a Solution


im not sure what i have to do with the 15 degrees in order for me to solve the equation.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Use the angle to find the change in height of the block. A block moving up a 30o ramp of fixed length (3.0 m) rises higher vertically than if the angle is 15o.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Gravitational Potential Energy on an Incline
Replies
1
Views
2K
Gravitational Potential Energy questions near the surface of a planet
Replies
8
Views
2K
Calculating Gravitational Potential
Replies
3
Views
1K
Potential energy of ball thrown upwards
Replies
5
Views
14K
Gravitational potential energy
Replies
8
Views
2K
Potential energy of a block moving up and down an incline.
Replies
7
Views
1K
GCSE Physics : Temperature & Gravitational potential energy
Replies
2
Views
2K
Gravitational Potential of Hanging Cord
Replies
3
Views
2K
Examples of conversion of gravitational PE to heat energy?
Replies
2
Views
7K
Gravitational Potential Energy Question
Replies
11
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top