How is the Work Done by Friction Calculated on a Box?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the work done by friction on a box being pushed with a constant external force, the problem involves determining the change in kinetic energy using the work-energy theorem. The initial and final kinetic energies are calculated, resulting in a total work of 65.1 J. However, the total work done by friction is found to be -1043 J, indicating that friction opposes the motion. The applied force of 160 N at a 30-degree angle complicates the calculation, as it requires considering both the horizontal and vertical components of the force. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the work-energy theorem and understanding the role of friction in the system.
snoopyrawr
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Homework Statement


i've been stuck on this problem for about 45mins.

A constant external force P = 160 N is applied to a 20 kg box,which is on a rough horizontal surface. The force pushes the box a distance of 8.0 m, in a time interval of 4.0 s, and the speed changes from v1 = 0.5 m/s to v2 = 2.6 m/s. Find the work done by friction. The work done by friction is closed to:
There is a force applied at 30degree to the horizontal of the box.

the answer is -1043 J but idk how to get that answer.

Homework Equations


Ff = µFn
W=Fd
W=mgd

The Attempt at a Solution


W=mgd
W=20kg*9.8*cos(30)*8=1357.9J
 
Last edited:
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welcome to pf!

hi snoopyrawr! welcome to pf! :smile:
snoopyrawr said:
A constant external force P = 160 N is applied to a 20 kg box,which is on a rough horizontal surface. The force pushes the box a distance of 8.0 m, in a time interval of 4.0 s, and the speed changes from v1 = 0.5 m/s to v2 = 2.6 m/s. Find the work done by friction.

the answer is -1043 J but idk how to get that answer.

W=mgd
W=20kg*9.8*cos(30)*8=1357.9J

(so the force is applied at 30° to the horizontal?)

W = mgd is wrong

W = Pd is right

(and anyway, that's the work done by the force P … the question asks for the work done by the friction :wink:)

try again :smile:
 
yes there is a horizontal force of 30degrees applied on the box and how would you set up this problem if the friction coefficient is not given?
 
use the work energy theorem
 
so it would be like this:
W=KEf-KEi (KEf= kinetic final, KEi= kinetic initial)
W=(1/2(20kg)(2.6m/s)^2)-(1/2(20kg)(0.5m/s)^2)
W=65.1 J

is there another step i have to do?
 
(just got up :zzz:)
snoopyrawr said:
so it would be like this:
W=KEf-KEi (KEf= kinetic final, KEi= kinetic initial)
W=(1/2(20kg)(2.6m/s)^2)-(1/2(20kg)(0.5m/s)^2)
W=65.1 J

yup! :smile:
is there another step i have to do?

that's the total work done …

so what's the work done by friction? :wink:
 
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