How Does Friction Affect the Final Velocity of a Block on an Incline?

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The discussion centers on calculating the final velocity of a block (mass 7 kg) moving up a 45-degree incline with an initial velocity of 4.7 m/s and a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.25. The correct approach involves recognizing that the frictional force acts in the opposite direction to the motion. Using the equation v^2 = u^2 + 2ax, where the acceleration a is negative due to friction, the final velocity is calculated as v = sqrt(4.7^2 - 2 * 1.73). This method yields a final velocity that accurately reflects the effects of friction on the block's motion.

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  • Basic principles of energy conservation in physics
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A block m1 with mass 7 kg moves up an inclined plane with an initial velocity v=4.7 m/s. The inclined plane is at an angle of theta = 45 degrees from the horizontal. The coeff. of kinetic friction between the block and the incline is 0.25.

What is the block's velocity when it has traveled a distance D = 1 m up the incline?




F = (coeff. kinetic friction) x (normal force)
F = ma
vf^2 = vi^2 + 2a(delta x)




This is what I tried:
ma = mu(k) * N
ma = mu(k) * mgsin(theta)
a = mu(k) * gsin(theta)
a = 0.25 * (9.81*sin(45))
a = 1.73

vf^2 = vi^2 + 2a(delta x)
vf= sqrt(vi^2 + 2a(delta x))
vf = sqrt(4.7^2 + (2*1.73*1))
vf =5.05

But this velocity is too large. I don't know what I am doing wrong. Please help!
 
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Firstly it looks at first glance like you may have taking the frictional force to be positive instead of negative!

By taking both the change in x and the frictional force to be positive, you are implying they are both acting in the same direction, which they clearly are not.

So

v^2=u^2+2ax

Where x=+1, and a=-1.73.

This gives the result

v=SQRT(4.7^2-2*1.73)

Remember you can also do it with conservation of energy, where the change in kinetic energy will be equal to the change in gravitation potential plus the work done against the friction.
 

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